To close our coverage of our experience at the Biennale Puglia that took place in Bari, Italy from 22-31 May 2008, here is a post-Biennale interview with the Secretary General of the International Association of the Biennial of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean (BJCEM), Alessandro Stillo.
LabforCulture: This is the 13th edition of the Biennale. How important is the Biennale for young artists in Europe and the Mediterranean?
Alessandro Stillo: This is an evaluation that artists must do. We felt a huge energy and willingness from participants to get to know each other, to cooperate with each other and to work together. This is always the best feeling of Biennale.
The Biennale is first and foremost an opportunity for participants, artists, critics, cultural operators and those responsible for art at local and national government level. It is also a major event for the general public of Bari and Puglia and the readers and viewers of magazines, TV shows and blogs that are following the event.
LfC: How has the region of Puglia influenced this year's Biennale?
AS: Well, how can you organise an event in a region that is set in the heart of the Mediterranean and not be influenced by that? Starting with the sea, in front of the Fiera del Levante, you arrive at an incredible location. And last but not least, the fantastic collaboration of the Puglia Region and of the people there made the Biennale what it was. Without this strong interaction with the place where the Biennale was held, it would not be such a successful event.
LfC: What were some of the highlights of this year's Biennale (for readers who were not able to visit)?
AS: As always, the real highlights of the Biennale were the "super meltin' pot" of artists from different countries. This year there were also more then 250 cultural operators, journalists and art critics that took part during the event.
We also ran a large number of conferences, workshops and almost 50 debates dedicated to all the hosts, artists and professionals, and we saw how young artists ask for more discussions, collaborations and information.
The Biennale is itself a 10-day highlight of young art, where you have the chance to surf in the waves of hundreds of artistic projects.
LfC: Can you tell us a bit about your plans for the next Biennale, which takes place in 2009 in Skopje?
AS: Yes, the 14th Biennale will take place from September 3-12, 2009. The theme will be "Seven Gates". That is the seven gates to enter into Skopje and the seven gates of our minds.
Of course, this will be a Biennale right in the middle of the Mediterranean Balkans. So it will include art that at the same time looks to the sea and calls all the countries around Macedonia for the biggest meeting of young artists in this area after the region’s conflicts.
LabforCulture es una iniciativa de la European Cultural Foundation. LabforCulture agradece el apoyo de sus financiadores.
what a load of pretentious rubbish. Anonymous User | 18 jun 2008