Hi List, I am the MA Contemporary Curatorial Student Sarah mentioned... I'm
currently researching a paper about The Space and have drafted some
questions for the List around this subject; your recent discussion is very
timely and fascinating within the context of this Arts Council and BBC
collaboration.
My reason for contacting you all is that I am specifically looking at this
project in terms of what it says about art in the UK, how that intersects
with government and Arts Council policy, the specific investment and
showcasing of digital art forms all within the Cultural Olympiad. I am
considering what this says to us in the UK about our "culture" and to the
wider world.
My initial thoughts are that this platform is allied with current
government
policy, increasing broadband connectivity, e-accessibility, inclusivity,
Raceonline etc, the development of a future, internet orientated economy.
It could indicate a highly creative and experimental approach to art
making,
given that art institutions do not always readily engage with digital
platforms.
It is on the face of it highly inclusive, but will the reality be the case,
and do artists/practitioners want their art "distributed" in this way.
Will The Space be a marketing tool or to disseminate information, or will
it
be used for its full creative potential as a medium in itself.
The brief mentions the inclusion of celebrity curators, do any members have
knowledge of who this may be? I am wondering in this context what
"celebrity" means and the affect that may have on the outward integrity of
the project.
This is also tempered with the knowledge of the Arts Council cuts that
affected digitally orientated new media organisations last year.
Perhaps the two are not related in that regard. Whilst this is not the
focus
of the paper it is something to consider, and I would appreciate any
comments you may have, it would suggest a u-turn in policy but perhaps that
is a naive statement.
Your recent conversations also refer to the longevity of the project and
what happens after this event - will it create a precedent to build on. The
information I have read so far only refers to it as a "pop up service" and
Alan Yentob describes it as a space for experimentation and a space to
fail - which I find very interesting too and I wonder if that truly will be
the case.
It would be great to hear from any of you who are proposing work for The
Space.
If you prefer to reply to me privately given the nature/sensitivity of any
proposals you have submitted please email me [log in to unmask]
As an addendum on the subject of artists TV, a small aside but at the music
festival All Tomorrows People the curators(bands) take over the TV channels
in the chalet, and specifically curate that space - showing mainly cult tv
and film, but last Dec did have interesting archival films on Fluxus food
events for example, I'm not sure if it adds to your discussion as it wasn't
necessarily "digital".
In anticipation, I appreciate your help and support.
Thanks
Sonya Russell-Saunders
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