More information
Description
The Marathon of Art Practices (MAP) aims to develop the public for art consumption through interventions that strengthen the cultural ecosystem, by professionalizing artists and training collectors to invest in art. The project aims to change the perception of the general public regarding the consumption of contemporary art through concrete interventions in strengthening the resistance structure of the audience and target groups, through the professionalization of artists and curators in fields such as: cultural entrepreneurship, project management and cultural marketing, through educating collectors and investors in creating viable mechanisms for the contemporary Romanian art market and by forming the taste of the general public for the natural reception of art consumption. SUPRAINFINIT Gallery has been present in the cultural scene since 2015, with the mission to promote young emerging Romanian and foreign artists, build a contemporary art market and educate the public''s taste for the consumption of contemporary art. Through its activity, the gallery was able to identify trends, needs and responses to achieve its objectives, some of which constitute the aspects this project addresses, such as the need to professionalize the target groups envisaged. Until its end, the project aims to: a) develop the entrepreneurial capacity of 15 artists and 5 emerging curators through 2 training workshops, supported by national and international trainers, in partnership with the NO trainer; b) the training of 30 collectors through sessions supported by Romanian and international experts; c) public development through the organization of 9 exhibitions, accompanied by interdisciplinary and participatory events, attended by 1,200 visitors and the organization of a cultural event with a live program to conclude the project (500 visitors).
Summary of project results
The project sought to address the limited public engagement with contemporary art by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of artistic expression. It aimed to bridge the gap between the cultural ecosystem and the creative sector through targeted interventions that strengthened these connections. A key focus was the professionalization of emerging artists and curators, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the art world. Additionally, the project worked to develop the expertise of art collectors, encouraging investment in the art market and contributing to its long-term sustainability.
The project focused on strengthening the professional and entrepreneurial skills of artists, curators, and collectors while promoting contemporary art through exhibitions and cultural events. It provided training workshops for 15 artists and five emerging curators, equipping them with essential skills for navigating the art market. Additionally, 30 collectors participated in specialized sessions led by Romanian and international experts, complemented by two guided tours of MARe’s collection to deepen their understanding of contemporary art and encourage investment. Nine exhibitions featuring interdisciplinary and participatory events were organized. The project concluded with a large-scale cultural event with a live program, celebrating its achievements and reinforcing the role of contemporary art in fostering cultural dialogue and community engagement.
The project successfully engaged 1,732 participants in ten contemporary art activities, including nine exhibitions and a live final public event, fostering greater appreciation and interaction with contemporary artistic expression. It also contributed to the professionalization of the art market by organizing a dedicated training session for 30 collectors and investors. A key component of the initiative was a seven-day mentorship program in Oslo for a project team member, facilitating an exchange of expertise in managing contemporary art galleries, understanding market mechanisms, and strengthening cultural entrepreneurship. Additionally, two Critical Visions workshops were held, providing 20 artists and emerging curators with valuable insights and skills to advance their careers in the contemporary art sector.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation with Norwegian artist Kjersti Vetterstad played a significant role in the project’s artistic and professional exchange. As part of the initiative, she held a personal exhibition and created the video work Slow Burn, contributing to the project''s contemporary art productions. Vetterstad was also actively involved in the mentorship visit to Oslo, organizing meetings and structuring the program for the Romanian project promoter, facilitating direct engagement with leading art galleries and cultural institutions. Her participation extended to the final event, Suprainfinit Collisions, where she contributed to the marathon of performances, lectures, video projections, and concerts, further strengthening the intercultural dialogue and collaboration between Romanian and Norwegian contemporary art scenes.