Trondheim Open 2016: Participation
11.–13. nov
The spectators’ access to contemporary art is often given through exhibitions, written publicity or publications. These forms of communication seldom reveals anything about the preconditions for producing an artwork or an art project. Art production may therefore appear as a somewhat isolated event, brought forward only by the creative mind of the solitary artist. On the contrary, the artwork is often a result of the artist’s encounter with their surroundings and with the public or spectator as a key element.
During the last five decades the understanding of the spectator’s role when confronted with art has changed fundamentally, from the somewhat passive “spectator” to the more active “participant”. The 60s and 70s performative events, happenings and installations, often integrate the spectator in the process of realizing the artwork. Several artists today involve the public at an earlier stage of the creative process and much of the art production takes place outside the frameworks of art institutions. A growing number of artists work in the local community and use people as their raw material. Art production is therefore far from being an isolated event. Nonetheless, the studio is still an important base for most artists. It is a necessary space for concentration and for starting the working process. Open Studios is one of the founding events during Trondheim Open. During the festival weekend the public is invited to meet several artists at their studios and to experience art in broader contexts than the exhibition format. Nonetheless, the studio is still an important base for most artists. It is a necessary space for concentration and for starting the working process. Open Studios is one of the founding events during Trondheim Open. During the festival weekend the public is invited to meet several artists at their studios and to experience art in broader contexts than the exhibition format.
In Trondheim there are four large studio houses which offer studios and workshops for more than 100 professional artists . The Academy of Fine Arts in Trondheim have nearly 70 students enrolled, and is an important part of the city’s art scene. There’s also artists with studios outside the collectives. These professional resources deserve more attention. This year we have asked artists to help guide you through the studio collectives and The Academy of Fine Arts. We hope you would like to participate.
Margrete Abelsen – Koordinator
