***  Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive  ***
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   [Date]: Mon, 8 Nov 1999 09:05:19 -0600
   [From]: "Chris Drew" <cdrew#@orion.it.luc.edu>
     [To]: "Cultural Exchange via Internet" <forum1@hkw.kbx.de>
[Subject]: Re: [forum1] America?

Thank you for bringing out the origins of this mailing list. I had not
realized why someone brought this mailing list to my attention. I do know
from my experience organizing artists city wide in Chicago that diversity is
a result of continuous effort and encouragement.

I was told to check out this list because our "ART-ACT" is an international
art contest that is targeting with its theme, Anti-Racism/Diversity, artists
in Africa, Asia, Pacific and Latin/South America.

To start this art contest/exhibit off we have been posting the art related
to this theme that has been produced in our Screen Print Workshop for
Artists over the past six years in Chicago. Though Chicago is far from the
theaters mentioned above - we start locally but strive globally. Artists
from beginners to masters have contributed to start the process. They have
come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and ages. We wish to multiply our
Chicago community arts effect by including other artists worldwide through
promotion and dissemination on the Internet.

We also urge anyone on this list to help us build this unique interactive
exhibit by submitting written comments on the content of the art work
displayed on our site at
http://www.art-teez.org/ara_art1.htm

So far no one has taken this offer seriously. I am beginning to wonder

a) if it is the way I have presented the concept

b) that no one - artist or otherwise - on this list finds issues of racism
or diversity of interest

c) artists of the mid-west without New York art circle blessings are not of
interest to members.

d) members of the targeted groups are not well represented on this list

e) the concept of viewers writing their comments to be included below art
online is so new that nobody has yet understood what is expected of them and
thus they feel uncomfortable following through.

f) people on the internet do not want to write and see their opinions
posted.

g) the issue of racism is so taboo people will not respond openly?

h) Other....?

We are not waiting for any one on any list to determine our success. We are
promoting this interactive opportunity to college professors as an
opportunity to excite discussion among their students on the subjects of
racism and diversity. Their thoughts can become part of a greater discussion
on our site. Your thoughts could be part of those discussions - even excite
them.

To encourage diversity on this list - list members might start by
encouraging art initiatives that focus on diversity issues.The existence of
other related lists could be acknowledged, and some brainstorming on how to
achieve the lists goals could even be entertained, from members. Or has all
of this been done before my time.

Thanks for considering these thoughts.

Sincerely

Chris Drew       <mailto:umcac@art-teez.org>
Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center
http://www.art-teez.org   We dress Chicago and the
Internet in t-shirt art.  Come get some! 773/561-7676

-----Original Message-----
From: Kim Machan <kma@b130.aone.net.au>
To: Cultural Exchange via Internet <forum1@hkw.kbx.de>
Date: Wednesday, November 03, 1999 7:41 AM
Subject: [forum1] America?


>Hello List!
>Without again bringing up the word "sensation" I have been a little
>surprised at how much of the space and time on this list has gone into
>the discussion of american art and politics.
>This list seemed to be set up as a discussion space for works and ideas
>around the use and practice of the internet and art in Africa, Asia
>Pacific and Latin/South America.
>Why is it that so much of the time has gravitated back to New York?
>Is this the nature of the web or the art world?
>
>I guess this is a bit of provocation to encourage the more silent
>lurkers in the world other than brooklyn - other than the satchi and
>satchi collection - even though censorship is an issue, perhaps
>censorship or indifference to the regions is becoming a neglected issue.
>What does this mean?
>
>best
>kim