*** Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive *** ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [Date]: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 22:32:36 +1000 [From]: "Kim Machan" [To]: "Cultural Exchange via Internet" [Subject]: Re: [forum1] Re: Censorship Dear Ami and the thread! in response to your comments - the Internet and artists use of it can change access and exposure outside of normal traditional channels. The idea of the traditional art world is or can be quite a separate issue. The importance of the growth and development of this medium is about setting up new strategies of influence and new networks of influence. The conversation on censorship has kept referring back to traditional media, galleries and community - the issue of creating outside these old patterns should become a focus of importance. The development of audiences outside the normal circles of our artworlds is a crucial consideration in new media. I believe that the notion of audience is perhaps the most important difference when considering the potential of artists using the Internet. We have access to people that may not pass through a gallery doorway but purely through there home computer. The traditional artworld that we experience is one of well worn models and rights of passage. The gatekeepers are labelled clearly and the power positions well recognised. This "art society" that we refer to will continue on and no doubt a very few Internet/new media artists will be let in and recognised. But in consideration of the potential to stimulate changes in access and participation in cultural thinking the Internet is offering a tool that can write new orders to function in. The setting up of global islands and the ease of access to those expressions is one of the most exciting propositions to consider. Again, marketing is a word that rises whenever we talk about audience - so there again - the idea of marketing cultural ideas (not just traditional artworks ie paintings, sculpture etc) is about new partnerships , leaps into over and through positions that have not and would not be considered in the traditional marketing of artists ideas and work. best kim Kim Machan Festival Director MAAP99 Multimedia Art Asia Pacific phone 61 - 7 - 33487 403 fax 61 - 7 - 33484 109 mobile 0411 591 058 www.maap.org.au MAAP is a not for profit organisation that promotes excellence in art and technology in the Asia Pacific regions.