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Description
The Romanian Association of Contemporary Art (ARAC) presents the ARAC Art & Residency program, which will develop during two years and which consists of an intensive series of curatorial projects and artistic events. These will be held periodically in a sustained and coherent manner, in the heart of old Bucharest, the former Jewish district in the Mântuleasa area. The project addresses two main issues identified at the capital level: the first is the low participation of local audiences in contemporary art events, one of the main causes being the small number of offers and the unsatisfactory assessment of the public offer (Eurobarometer, 2017) . The second issue is the low number of opportunities for young artists and curators wishing to work in Romania, a problem identified in the National Culture and National Heritage Strategy 2016-2020. The project thus promotes the sustained dialogue between creators and the public, providing topics of interest and encouraging non-conventional art forms such as video art and performance. It is aimed at the young public in Bucharest, still in training, between ages 15-35. The target groups identified include contemporary art artists from Romania and young professionals from the field of visual arts. To raise public interest, the project adopts three key themes to show how contemporary creation is relevant and necessary to the target audience: climate change, economic and war migration, new technologies. The project''s activities develop innovative ways to attract audiences and promotional campaigns developed in partnership with Iceland''s ARTAK350 residence. Creative residencies for international curators and artists are organized as well as creative opportunities for Romanian artists in Iceland.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the need for job creation and professional development in the cultural sector, as well as to increase public engagement with contemporary art. It sought to highlight issues related to social minorities through artistic productions, fostering social awareness and inclusion. Additionally, the project aimed to strengthen the skills of employees in exhibition organization and curation, contributing to their professional growth within the cultural industry.
The project created over 5 jobs and organized 31 contemporary art activities, which attracted a total of 2,361 participants. It also produced 2 artistic works that focused on social minorities, contributing to the dialogue around these topics. Furthermore, the project provided training for 2 employees, helping them develop specific skills related to exhibition organization and curation.
The project successfully created more than 5 new jobs, benefiting both individuals and the local economy by expanding employment opportunities in the cultural sector. The 31 contemporary art activities reached 2,361 participants, enriching their cultural experiences and fostering greater awareness of social minority issues. The 2 artistic productions on social minorities contributed to public discussions on inclusion and diversity. The training of 2 employees in exhibition organization and curation enhanced their professional development, supporting their career growth within the arts and cultural sector. Overall, the project strengthened the community''s cultural engagement and contributed to social awareness through art.
Summary of bilateral results
From a bilateral perspective, 2 Romanian artists received support for creative residencies and exhibitions in Iceland. The partner ARTAK had an important role in promoting the events organized within the project, both for the events held in Bucharest and for the Insomnia events, held in Iceland.