ART BLOG  – 16/02/2018

Once again I was lucky enough to be invited to Porthmeor Studios for another of the ‘Lunch Break Talk’ series. Alessio Antoniolli was to be our speaker for this session, which was hosted by the Artists Residency Programme in partnership with Cultivator Cornwall.

This was my second visit to St Ives since the new year.  It was also my second chance to mingle amongst the resident artists while I spooned delicious homemade soup from a mug and chomped on chunks of tasty bread.

Alessio’s a passionate, fluent and enlightening talk, dissolved all fears I had of falling into a post-lunch slumber. A naturally gifted speaker Alessio focussed his engaging talk on the unique opportunities offered to artists by  Gasworks and the Triangle Network.

At Gasworks, Alessio leads a programme of research and development.  This non-profit contemporary visual art organisation offers rare fully funded residency opportunities. Gasworks encourages artists to develop new ideas through educational projects, events and workshops. It also organises exhibitions to accompany these programmes. And encourages audiences to engage directly with the often groundbreaking, emerging UK and international artists it hosts. A priceless opportunity, particularly for artists with a small reach.

At its South London HQ, the easy-going, relaxed environment helps to inspire minds and develop talent. Gasworks is also the hub for the Triangle Network. Now a global support system for artists and visual arts organisations, with over four thousand members. The Network supports artistic development and promotes cultural exchange. Through exhibitions,  events, workshops and studio residencies in over forty countries, the Network creates opportunities to bring a variety of artists together in neutral spaces.

Both the Gasworks and Triangle Network have gone from strength to strength under Alessio’s guidance in the last twenty years. Together they offer exceptional opportunities for artists from all corners of the world to research ideas and develop work.

During his talk at Porthmeor, Alessio also hinted at the possibility of residency exchanges, which prompted some interesting enquiries during the Q&A session which followed on at the end.