Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Cybernetic Serendipity
Not Good News Taking Into Account the Sub-title of this Social Network
Following a review of the ICA's programming activities I have taken the decision to close the Live & Media Arts department from the end of November 2008.
The ICA has led a pioneering role in new media arts practice over the last decade and more.
We are proud of that legacy. However times change. And I no longer feel that the artistic rationale for devoting considerable institutional attention to that art form - to the extent of maintaining a dedicated department to its pursuance - can be strongly made.
As an institution dedicated to the contemporary moment it is important that we continually review the timeliness and relevance of our activities and at times make decisions on that basis.
New media based arts practice continues to have its place within the arts sector. However it's my consideration that, in the main, the art form lacks the depth and cultural urgency to justify the ICA's continued and significant investment in a Live & Media Arts department. Following discussion with the ICA Council and the Arts Council - and agreement from both bodies - I have decided to close the department.
It's also my view that the sheer breadth of activity that our artistic programme encompasses means that we are often stretched too thin as an organisation. Our technical, building and financial resources are under considerable strain and it is hard for us to communicate our aims to our audience with directness and clarity.
In closing the Live & Media Arts department, we will be able to invest greater resources in a more concentrated programme of activities, allowing us to create a more ambitious artistic plan for 2009/10. And in communication with the public, the focus of our activity will be exclusively on Visual Arts, Cinema, Talks and Music.
In addition, these changes will offer the opportunity for the Digital Studio to be reconstituted as a dedicated Education space, offering a valuable benefit to an important and growing section of our audience.
[ From Ekow Eshun, Artistic Director of the ICA ]
The ICA has led a pioneering role in new media arts practice over the last decade and more.
We are proud of that legacy. However times change. And I no longer feel that the artistic rationale for devoting considerable institutional attention to that art form - to the extent of maintaining a dedicated department to its pursuance - can be strongly made.
As an institution dedicated to the contemporary moment it is important that we continually review the timeliness and relevance of our activities and at times make decisions on that basis.
New media based arts practice continues to have its place within the arts sector. However it's my consideration that, in the main, the art form lacks the depth and cultural urgency to justify the ICA's continued and significant investment in a Live & Media Arts department. Following discussion with the ICA Council and the Arts Council - and agreement from both bodies - I have decided to close the department.
It's also my view that the sheer breadth of activity that our artistic programme encompasses means that we are often stretched too thin as an organisation. Our technical, building and financial resources are under considerable strain and it is hard for us to communicate our aims to our audience with directness and clarity.
In closing the Live & Media Arts department, we will be able to invest greater resources in a more concentrated programme of activities, allowing us to create a more ambitious artistic plan for 2009/10. And in communication with the public, the focus of our activity will be exclusively on Visual Arts, Cinema, Talks and Music.
In addition, these changes will offer the opportunity for the Digital Studio to be reconstituted as a dedicated Education space, offering a valuable benefit to an important and growing section of our audience.
[ From Ekow Eshun, Artistic Director of the ICA ]
Add a Comment
© 2009 Created by Kuja on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of Cybernetics - Art - Design to add comments!
Join this Ning Network