Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Cerny Inuit Collection at Montreux Art Gallery 2007 A Universal Heritage – Shared Arctic  (CIC at MAG 2007)

Outline
On the occasion of International Polar Year, the Montreux Art Gallery 2007 (www.mag-swiss.com) from the 15th to the 18th of November 2007, in collaboration with the Cerny Inuit Collection (www.cernyinuitcollection.com), will offer the public an opportunity to discover the marvellous artwork of the talented artist of the North. Over 400m2 has been reserved for contemporary artwork, photographs and films from the circumpolar regions. On an additional 200 m2 the public (last year MAG had 7’000 visitors, this year’s goal is 10’000) can visit a “Kiosk” with various publications devoted to Northern topics, as well as, meet and watch artists at work. Under “an hour for art”, children between the ages of 8 and 12 years from schools in the area will have a chance to discover the different facets of art and experiment in an atelier. Through art and culture the public can become familiar with the Northern peoples’ way of life. At the same time, the challenges related to local pollution and its global connections will be addressed, providing a better understanding for the necessary partially unpopular measures to improve the ecological conditions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Last year there were 7’000 visitors to MAG, this year the goal is 10’000. In addition, schools from the surrounding areas are invited to actively participate at the “Hour for Art” event. We also hope to provide the opportunity for artists from different Northern areas to share their knowledge with one another.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
At the moment, we are looking into collaboration with Canada, Greenland, a Scandinavian country and Russia.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
We hope that the attendance of artists from the Northern countries will contribute to the building and/or using existing infrastructures and give the participants a better insight in marketing artwork. With over 50 international commercial galleries attending, the artists will also have an opportunity to network with them.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own support
Other sources of support

We are looking into funding by national and international sources.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - The Canadian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland has already endorsed this project. Once artist attendance is confirmed, we will seek endorsement from the respective countries.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

How will the project be organised and managed?

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The “Kiosk” can provide information of the existing Outreach and Education projects and programmes. The schools attending the “Hour for Art” event can be provided with this information.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
A summary of the event can be supplied to participants and IPY.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
MAG 2007, local sponsors, institutions in the respective countries.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
We look forward to your feedback. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, should you require any additional information.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Martha Cerny
Cerny Inuit Collection, by Aurora Borealis Consulting and Trading Ltd
Gerechtigkeitsgasse 50/52
3011 Bern
Swirtzerland

Tel: + 4131 318 2820
Mobile: no
Fax: + 4131 318 2821
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation