Developing the Artist Community in Europe

[Mischa Milosevic]

While here in my area I was offered membership from a number of local art clubs. Being that I am knew in the area I asked questions in regards to the benefits for the artist if one became a member. First, they all charge a fee and the fee I find does not differ much from the Canadians. They all have a similar program set up and I like what the Canadians are doing. I am not curtain to what extent the Canadian program is benefiting the members maybe Marina you can clarify that.

My hope is to unite professional artists in a joint venture a association if that is the correct name. Together we can pool our individual skills and gifts to help other artists and at the same time to better market what we do and what we stand for.

To acheave this or something close we need to poll together. This is not designated for one area only rather we work together to promote each and every country. My thought is to have a functional body within each country Germany, France The Nordics etc.

This is something that is progressive and it takes time to develop. It takes time to define a mission statement and it takes people. There are procedures to go through to get a working license and register a organization if that is what we want first. I think that a structure needs to be planed out first and possible problems need to be solved or at least the solutions recognized. When one recognizes the problems artists had in the early 19th century one can and should learn from the past to better understand ones future.

My suggestion is this: if you can see the benefit and I am not talking about a operating fee in fact I car not to ask members for a monthly fee of any kind. I believe and stand for hard work and planed marketing strategies.

Again if you can see the benefit and you wish to get involved get in touch with me. In the mean time do the research for we need all kinds of information. I have some knowledge in running successful exhibitions and workshops but someone knows more or you have a good source of reliable information.

I hope I was able to answer some questions. If I seem reserved please understand that this is a open forum.

[Ngaire Winwood]

Mischa, I applaude your enthusiasm and can connect with you on more ways than one. Being myself so far away from credible teachers, I too earlier on wanted to connect with like minded artists, which I found here on the forum. Their genorosity and time to be moderators is inspirational to say the least.

I am interested in hearing aspects of your proposal in more detail.

SOG might be interested in hosting such an event, if this is what you seem to be proposing. I am sure after all of Cynthia's hard work and the existing morale here on the forum re 'towards technical excellence' and wide range of skill levels that it is a perfect staging ground for such an event.