PRO week Art in public space
Would you like to further develop yourself as an artist in the field of public art and commissioned work? Join Kunstpunt’s PRO-week! This three-day program, from November 6 to 8, 2024, includes workshops, lectures, panel talks, an excursion, and networking opportunities. Please note: the language of the program will be Dutch.
What does the PRO-week involve?
The PRO-week is part of Kunstpunt Groningen’s new professional development program called Kunstpunt PRO. During the PRO-week, you will gain insight and depth into public art and commissioned work, including:
→ What does it mean to work as an artist or curator in public space?
→ How do you obtain commissions?
→ What themes are currently playing an urgent role in public space
→ How do you relate to your client and to society as an artist?
For whom?
The PRO week is for both novice and established professional artists who want to strengthen their creative skills and specialize in art in public space and art professionals who work as a curator, researcher, critic or organizer in the visual arts.
Language
Dutch
When
The PRO-week will take place from Wednesday, November 6 to 8, 2024. You can purchase a full pass for the entire program or order a day ticket.
Program
Day 1: Wednesday, November 6
Your Artistic Vision and the Public Domain
On the first day of PRO-week, we will focus on artistic vision and how to translate that vision into commissioned work and the public domain. How does your artistic practice align with working in public space and on commissions? Where do you start when applying for a commission or when approached for one?
We will kick off the day with a presentation by Lieselot Van Damme (director at Kunstpunt) and Sander Vermeulen (project leader at Kunstpunt). This will be followed by interactive sessions led by Mieke Conijn (director at Kunstenlab in Deventer) and curator Huib Haye der Werf, alongside artist Sanja Medic. We encourage you to ask questions and share your own experiences and expertise. Afterward, there will be smaller group sessions where you can engage in personal conversations with one of the speakers. We will conclude the day with a reception.
Day 2: Thursday, November 7
Time, Continuity, and Growth
On the second day of the program, we will explore various aspects of time within your practice and in commissioned situations. We will examine the role of time, how to manage it, and discuss concrete case studies. How do you ensure continuity and development in your artistic practice?
We will start with a presentation by visual artists Pip Passchier and Selma Hengeveld on De Sportkantine, followed by a group discussion led by curator and advisor Suzanne Sanders. In the afternoon, Nicoline Wijnja (project leader at Kunstpunt) will introduce the Tschumi Pavilion and the art commission for this pavilion given to Tamar Frank. We will then have an on-site discussion with Tamar Frank and Nicoline Wijnja. The afternoon continues with smaller group sessions where you can engage personally with one of the speakers. We will close the day with a reception.
Day 3: Friday, November 8
Communicate and Connect
This day focuses on communication and creating connections. How do you find your way to (cultural) organizations and individuals to carry out your project? And how do you create a network for yourself? Different organizations operate and communicate based on their own vision, mission, and brand identity. How do you find out what they are really looking for when you want to collaborate or respond to open calls or other opportunities?
In the first part of the day, researcher and artist Melle Smets will share a recent case study from his practice, followed by a Q&A session with participants. In the afternoon, there will be an introduction by five art organizations. Each guest will share insights about the organization’s vision and what they are currently working on. What kind of commissions do they facilitate? How do they operate? What kinds of artists are they looking for? Do they have specific selection criteria?
Towards the end of the afternoon, there will be a speed-dating session where you can speak with multiple guests. We will conclude the day with a reception.
All days will be moderated by Rutger Middendorp.
Tickets
A day ticket costs €30 per person and includes participation in the day’s program, lunch, coffee, and a reception.
A full pass costs €75 per person and includes participation in the three-day program, lunch, coffee, and a reception.
Don’t wait too long to purchase your tickets, as we have a limited number of spots available each day. Please note! The language of the PRO-week will be Dutch.
Reviews
Last year was the first edition of the PRO-week, here are some of the reactions:
“It was amazing to speak with so many knowledgeable people and participate in workshops.”
“What I found valuable: All the days as a whole, bonding with the other people. It felt like studying together again: unfamiliar, exciting, enjoyable.”
“Very successful days, with good content, and connecting with each other was also very important for many.”
Questions?
If you have any questions about the PRO-week, please send an email to sandervermeulen@kunstpuntgroningen.nl.
About Kunstpunt PRO.
The PRO week is part of Kunstpunt Groningen’s new professional development program called Kunstpunt PRO. Within this program we organize in-depth programs and activities and a select group of artists and a curator work annually on assignments in public space.
Budding artists receive guidance and opportunities to realize challenging and educational projects and to grow as promising talents. For established artists, it is an opportunity to expand their expertise and network and explore new possibilities in the context of public art, allowing them to diversify their portfolio.
Annual program
A select group of artists will follow an intensive annual program from 2024. During this period, the artists will not only create works of art, but also participate in in-depth programs and build both business and artistic skills. All this under the expert guidance of experts and project leaders from Kunstpunt.
The careful selection of these artists will take place in early 2024. A number of productions that Kunstpunt is currently carrying out under the heading of professional development will fall under the program: The Wall, Noorderzon ART, ESNS ART, the Tschumi Pavilion and art assignments for external parties or other productions in public space.
