***  Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive  ***
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   [Date]: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 18:11:55 EST
   [From]: AMellin@aol.com
     [To]: forum1@herz.kbx.de
[Subject]: Re: [forum1] Re: Seventh Biennial of Havana

Dear Raul, just to tell you about a good experience!
In October-November of this year I was one of three curators for a show 
called  "Diaspora" in Oviedo in the North of Spain (most works were 
installations placed in the open space). 
Many people migrated from Oviedo in 1920-30 since the coal mining industry 
was shut down. They went to South- and North America and other countries. 
This show focussed on migration- living in a Diaspora- which was of course 
caused by economical reasons. 40 international artists from all over the 
world were invited to contribute a comment on this theme. A wide range of 
aspects became visible and the documentation will be available probably 
spring next year.
The curators came from different countries (Germany, Spain, Chile) and had 
contacts to artists from the 1. and the 3.world (what is the 2.world?), and 
it was an attempt to rule this show not just by western understanding. In 
order to brigde the conflict of understanding between the art works and 
recipients we planned an accompanying event, which was a 1 week symposium 
with lectures and artists talks. It allowed interested people to get more 
knowledge about contemporary art.
This symposium was very successful. Between 180-200 people took part 
throughout 1 week.. Also the articles in newspapers were important to inform 
the inhabitants of Oviedo about contemporary art, which was never introduced 
there before.   
So it was an intesting- of course not perfect- event. If someone wants to 
know more about it contact me!  
Anke Mellin, artist , sometimes curator, organizer of art events, working on 
artists exchange program, member of Artists in Nature- International Network