AIR on air! An online symposium dedicated to Artist in residence under the pandemic from Japan to Europe

On the second day, the first session brought together directors of a broad range of AIR based in Japan and the EU, from government funded programs to privately-run “micro” residencies, in order to discuss specific strategies undertaken during the pandemic.

Travel restrictions have inevitably caused major disruptions to international residencies, leading to the cancellation or postponement of many planned residencies. Claus Heimes, director of bangaloREsidency (Goethe-Institut Bangalore), described how the bangaloREsidency had entered a period of “hibernation” until such time as physical residencies are again possible. As part of a wider spectrum of cultural programs organized by the Goethe-Institut Bangalore, the bangaloREsidency does not have a permanent physical space but instead works with local partners to provide such facilities. As a result, the program is not under the same existential pressure as artist residence programs that are tied to physical spaces.

Bénédicte Alliot, the general director of Cité internationale des arts in France, and Izumi Sakamoto, director of AIRY in Japan related how the pandemic had left some artists stranded midway through their residency, leading to urgent fundraising in the case of Cité internationale des arts and strong support from the local community in the case of AIRY. A number of creative strategies were shared to show how AIR had adapted planned residencies to online platforms or created new programs in direct response to the needs of the artists and communities they serve. One such example was the effective utilization of unused facilities by local artists less affected by travel restrictions. In a discussion about the viability of virtual residencies as an alternative to in-person exchange, views were clearly divided.

While it was argued that the physical experiences and encounters provided by AIR are essential, Miriam Wistreich, the creative director of Hotel Maria Kapel (NL) countered that the core role of AIR to give artists time and space in which to work while provoking new thoughts and experiences could also be offered in an online residency. She later added that the idea of having “space” to pursue an artistic practice is closely linked to financial stability, and that a funded online residency could provide a different but equally valid “space” for artists who are unable to undertake international residencies for financial or other reasons.

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Artists’ experiences and views on AIR in the pandemic

In the third and final session, the vital role that AIR serve in supporting artists was highlighted, particularly at a time when many are facing precarious circumstances.

Heidi Vogels, an artist and AIR researcher working for DutchCulture, also spoke about how the pandemic had raised the issue of “care” in society and similarly in the field of AIR, as cultural spaces that host and care for artists. The pandemic has encouraged greater discussion about the role and responsibilities of AIR from a range of perspectives, with the goal of bringing positive change amidst recent social and political unrest.

On the other hand, the discussion also returned to the issue of decarbonization raised in former sessions. While there was general agreement that the physical experience of residencies is irreplaceable, moderator Jun’ichiro Ishii posed the question, “What will become the future standard for running international AIR programs by which their environmental impacts can be justified?” In response, it was suggested that AIR of a longer duration should be given greater priority, while it will also be important for artists to consider whether an AIR requiring long- distance travel is economically and ethically justifiable. International residencies offer great experiences, but participation in AIR closer to home is more likely to lead to long-lasting relationships.

The session also served as an opportunity to share examples of how AIR can directly engage with people and social issues in different areas of society, affecting change in unexpected places. Among them, the Pact(e) program introduced by Sandrina Martins, general director of Le Carreau du Temple in France, was memorable for the unique collaborations it achieved between artists and company employees through the organization of artist residencies in companies. As a result of the program, employees who would otherwise have little contact with contemporary art were given a sense of empowerment in being able to work directly with artists.

Following the session, moderator Jun’ichiro Ishii was joined by observer Teiko Hinuma, director of Rikuzentakata AIR Program in Japan, in a discussion reflecting on the symposium and their own thoughts about the effects of the pandemic.

After describing some of his own residency experiences as an artist, Jun’ichiro went on to describe how, in his view, the shared experience of the pandemic has reminded us of the importance of developing a cosmopolitan viewpoint, where there is a greater empathy towards others who face problems we may ourselves experience in the future.

The rise of online communication due to physical restrictions of movemen thas, he felt, also encouraged us to use our imaginations once again, as people had before the popularization of commercial air travel and the Internet.

Teiko described how discussions during the symposium had echoed her own thoughts during the pandemic, namely the importance, as AIR organizer, of reconsidering the origin of AIR as spaces that offer “safety and hospitality” to artists. This, in her view, is something that AIR organizers tend to forget amidst budgetary concerns, societal commitments, and the need to engage audiences. In addition, she outlined three points that she felt AIR organizers should address in deciding to continue their programs in an online format:

1. To continue to make artists feel welcome and show a commitment to their safety when restarting residencies in the near future;
2. To ensure that the residency challenges the artist in some way, either by bringing them in contact with a different culture or by presenting some form of social problem to address;
3. To provide a platform for sharing experiences. Regarding the last point in particular, Teiko stressed how the symposium had served to demonstrate the importance of networks in making such platforms possible.

In the closing speech, Akira Tatehata, director of Kyoto Art Center, reiterated a point made throughout the discussions: while the pandemic has made physical residencies difficult, it has also led to new forms of communication and deepened dialogue among peers in the field. Serving as a prime example, this symposium has shown the organizers the potential of an online gathering, while also revealing the need to delve deeper into some of the subjects discussed. The organizers are currently planning to organize smaller follow-up meetings focused on specific subjects that emerged during the symposium but which require further discussion, among them being the theme of AIR as actors of change.