Close Connections 2008

smba-close-connections-2008-verslag-def.-versie.pdf (131 Kb)

SMBA is presenting Close Connections 2008, a visitors' programme for international curators during Art Amsterdam. This 4th edition of Close Connections offers seventeen selected curators a dynamic and diverse programme that will enable them to become acquainted with the art, artists and art institutions of Amsterdam. The programme runs from May 7 through 12.

The purpose of Close Connections is to encourage exchanges and international cooperation. This cross-border project contributes to the development of the Amsterdam art world and its reputation in other countries. In addition, it helps the visual arts sector in Amsterdam to become acquainted with developments elsewhere in the world.

The first Close Connections took place in May, 2005, and was organised by the IZA (International Support for the Arts) Foundation. Since then a Close Connections has been organised with each Art Amsterdam, and thanks to this programme 55 curators from all corners of the world have already enjoyed an intensive visit to the city. After three years the IZA Foundation asked Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam to take over the organisation of the project. Given the great enthusiasm of the artists and institutions involved, SMBA was pleased to accept the responsibility, especially as one of the purposes of the SMBA is to give new art from the Amsterdam context a firm international footing. Close Connections fits with that effort.

This year curators from Africa, Europe, the United States and South America have been invited for Close Connections. Among those cooperating in the programme are institutions such as De Appel, the Stedelijk Museum, Netherlands Media Art Institute, the Rijksakademie, SMART Project Space, a number of galleries, and many artists from The Netherlands and other countries.