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From: "Jeremy" <[log in to unmask]>
(with apologies for any cross-posting)
* ITEM (Image Technology in Museums and art galleries)
knowledge base
* The International Visual Arts Information Network Trust
At the beginning of this year IVAIN wrote to all ITEM subscribers to
the effect that for the previous 12 months IVAIN (the "not-for-profit"
International Visual Arts Information Network) had been planning to
further develop the well established on-line ITEM knowledge base.
Discussions with a leading not-for-profit initiative in the USA led to
the prospect of an exciting partnership. that was planned to be
completed by the early autumn of 1999. This would have effected
the
changeover from the ITEM server at Suffolk College in good time
before
our partnership with Suffolk College (since 1990) came to an end in
December 1999.
Unfortunately our USA partner was unable to complete the work in
the
originally planned timescale and it subsequently became clear that,
due to circumstances beyond the control of both parties it was not
going to be possible to achieve the original plans.
At this point IVAIN announced suspension of web access to ITEM
while
it sought a new technical partnership and ceased to accept
renewals or
new subscriptions to ITEM.
IVAIN was much encouraged by the widely expressed support and
goodwill
and this led us to explore three subsequent expressions of interest
from Higher Education bodies in the UK. Unfortunately the cost of
the
technical transfer and planned development considerably exceeded
the
levels of return the publication offers. The situation has been
further undermined by the low level of new CD-ROM publications in
our
field over the past 18 months, together with the very slow
emergence
of relevant DVD publications. In the circumstances, it is with great
regret that IVAIN now has to announce the permanent cessation of
publication of ITEM and the winding up of the IVAIN Trust. IVAIN
would
like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to the many
organisations and individuals whose encouragement and practical
help
enabled the original compilation and subsequent development of
ITEM.
Jeremy Rees
Director and Secretary
******************************************
Jeremy Rees
Director, International Visual Arts Information Network Trust
24 Lots Road, London SW10 0QF
telephone 020 7376 8759 (international +44 20 7376 8759)
fax 020 7376 8798 (international +44 20 7376 8798)
e-mail [log in to unmask]
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