Platform for discussion003
Can Artistic Practices Negotiate the Demands of Cultural Institutions, Public Space, and Civil Society?
I will limit myself to tackling the situation from the point of view of the ‘common ground’, which is lost or has never been found. There is a wide gap between art practice on one side and the institutions on the other; the first doing the minimum in terms of production and the other ignoring what is produced. The governmental institutions have no plans for supporting the arts and it is only by chance that some artists are able to sell one or two pieces a year to them. The private institutions are doing their job for a very small percentage of artists and it is not satisfactory even for these artists now. If somebody who cares visits the studios of artists they will be astonished by the huge amount of works stored in them. Sadly enough, in this situation not only are the so-called established artists harmed but it also discourages the new-comers to art, the young artists.
What is a platform?
A platform is a space for speaking in public. It is an opportunity to express ideas and thoughts. It also suggests the formal declaration of a stance or position on any given subject.
Unique to Ibraaz is a 'platform', a question put to writers, thinkers and artists about an issue relevant to the MENA region. This platform is sent to respondents both within and beyond the MENA region and contributions will be archived every 12 months.