Uniarte

Uniarte is an independent non-profit foundation that provides a platform for artists, curators and cultural agents involved in research, experimentation, production and dissemination of contemporary artistic practices from and about the Caribbean. Uniarte wants to inspire and be inspired, and uses a common space for being together, learning and developing not only for artists themselves, but also by connecting the public more with art & cultural programming. Uniarte works on different lines of action that intersect and complement each other, to provide spaces for meetings and conversations about art practices, in dialogue with social and political realities of the island and region. The organization strives for a dialogue between local and international professionals and projects that share ideas and are skills related to art production. The foundation focuses primarily on supporting the so-called emerging artists, while at the same time creating a platform where emerging artists, mid-career and established artists can meet and connect with each other. In addition to the artists themselves, this also has advantages for the overall artistic development in Curaçao and the position of art in Curaçao in the international art world. Through its network of artists and projects, Uniarte creates awareness about Caribbean history and culture, social and political issues. The foundation also brings new and often under-represented but relevant art forms and movements to the attention of the community. In this way Uniarte also promotes an introduction and interpretation to what contemporary art is for the general public in order to promote discourse in the community in Curaçao. The critical reflection that will be generated from this discourse is also necessary for the emerging artists for the development of speaking about their work and their growth as an artist in general. Uniarte its mission is thus to provide a structural contribution to the visibility, development, growth and existence of emerging professional artists to increase public involvement in contemporary art through exhibitions, lectures and other art & culture related projects and programming. The Uniarte residency in Willemstad, Curaçao, is open to visual artists, curators, performers, cultural agents and researchers, and will grant the resident the opportunity to house their individual practice and undergo a collaborate project with other artists and/or community members. This residency invites the resident to develop and undertake a specific research question that will enhance their individual practice and that is related to the (Dutch) Caribbean context and encourages the resident to experiment on things they have not done before. Through this residency the resident will have the self-responsibility to get more experience by presenting their work to the local audience, engage in discussions and crit sessions with local artists and visitors, have a tangible outcome like workshop, lecture sessions or exhibition, and further develop the professional skills needed to support and sustain their practice. Residents will benefit from the insight by active studio members of Uniarte and through studio visits and location or events across the island.