Dear List
My name is Alessandra Scapin and I'm currently working on my dissertation
project for the MA in Arts Policy and Management (Curating pathway) at
Birkbeck University. Beryl kindly suggested posting this message since
there’s no official August theme as yet.
My research topic is the relationship between media art and big institutions
in London and how these handle media art (I'm looking at the ICA, Tate, and
the Science Museum and have already interviewed Emma Quinn, Kelli Dipple and
Hannah Redler). I will also try to investigate why there is no dedicated
media art space in the capital and whether such a space is really needed or
whether it should reflect a wider and more organic context tackling
technologies and broader social issues.
I'm subscribed to the CRUMB list and follow the monthly discussions on
curating new media (for your record I've been also working as Coordinator at
Furtherfield.org for the past year or so). I was particularly interested in
the online debate generated by the ICA's decision of closing down the media
arts department (and Eshun's shocking statement!) and what consequences this
decision might have for the media art community in London, in terms of
provision, funding, and opportunities, especially in the current economic
climate.
I would very much like to gather some feedback from you and have also posted
a similar message to the Node.London list.
Below are the questions I would like you to have a look at:
• What are the challenges big institutions have to face when dealing with
media arts? Could these be a reason why it is problematic for some of them
to promote critical, cutting-edge and socially engaged media art work?
• What do you think are the challenges for media arts curators who work
within a big institution?
• Why do you feel there is no dedicated space for media arts in London?
And do you feel there is the need for one? What other form could this take?
It would be great if you could contribute with some thoughts.
Thanks.
Best wishes
Ale
Alessandra Scapin
|
