Partnerships, Events, British Council

19 January 2009

It has been an eventful week and I have made contact with potential partners.

I met with Stephen Antram, General Manager from Sofitel in Chongqing and we discussed a possible partnership developing contemporary exhibitions with 501 and Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. A meeting has been arranged for February with myself, Yan Yan, Director of 501 and the Chairman, Art Education from the Institute.

The highlights this week were the British Council launch and reception with, Mr Matthew Davidson,Chief Executive of BC, first ever visit to Chongqing. He gave a speech on British Council and developing Cultural Parnterships. A special dinner reception took place on the boat with beautiful views and important guests. It was well organised by Director of British Council, Chongqing, Sarah Deverall and her team.

I hope to pursue some partnerships with the contacts I made, many people I met had heard of 501 and not visited.

January visit to Chongqing Museum, artists studios and social gatherins

Artist visits

This artist Renquin did residency with Gasworks and has made very good work, from video and performance art. His collections are displayed and have been bought by collectors and national museums. A rising star.

Artists visits and meetings

The photographs will give you an idea of the scale and size of work that he artists are producing.
The area is a thriving artistic place and is a magnet for artists. The studios are close to Sichuan Fine Art Institute and this area is a magnet for the students, visitors from all over China.

Artists Month and gatherings Jan 2009

Wednesday 14 January 2009

The work for 501 has been going through some interesting times, I agreed my work plan with Yan Yan and we explored and discussed many things to help develop the expansion and success of the organisation. The last week there were a few challenges and items to be sorted out, disagreements and being aware of the local politics. Some important meetings took place, with the British Council to discuss 501's structure and suggestions for marketing, to the main committee meeting at 501. Working in China is definately a different cultural experience, as things are done more flexibly and with a feeling of less structure then the UK. However, things always work out.

Highlights this week has been discussing openly with all parties and using my leadership skills to manage new situations. I was inspired by visiting as many artists studios and spending more time with them. From talking in more depth about their values, living in China, to going to Tea Houses and Sichuan Hot pot socially. I am starting to feel very much at home and although my mandarin is limited the people are welcoming and warm, offering hostpitality and good company. Artists are beavering away and continue to believe in their work, they have large studio spaces. There is great potential to do projects with the west and I hope that my time here is about planting those footprints to leave a legacy. Enjoy the pictures.

Chengdu highlights for the New Year's Experience

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and I decided to explore the outer regions and centre cultural highlights. From the restored food and bar are, where rock an roll bands played new year's eve and day to visits to see the panda breeding centre. The final day highlight was the irrigation sight. The lanscape misty photo was taken from the train between Chongqing and Chengdu. Beautiful sights, paddy fields and farmers land. This made my new years experience, regardless of the rain and cold. It took4hrs on the express train.

The Chengdu Experience 2008-09

I visited Chengdu on 31st December 2008 - 4 Jan 2009. Spent the time moving from hotel and hostels, joining the international back packers. The weather was colder and wet.Ventured out to the historic sites, Jingse area-a renovated area of shops,tea houses and places to eat. On news years eve and day saw some rock bands and a western group. It was all rock and roll on a cold wintry day. Visited the cultural hotspots, the Panda breeding centre and irrigation river site, amazing.See posted pictures of the scenes. I will appreciate this even more when I view my block 6 months from now.