These are the key areas that the decibel Visual Arts Platform will concentrate on:
Dialogue
decibel will launch the Visual Arts Platform on October 24 (Black History Month). The launch will focus on the critical history of African, Asian and Caribbean artists. In addition to the Bristol Launch, another smaller launch is being held at the Frieze Art Fair in London on October 17.
A second public debate will be in London in partnership with an education institution in March 2004. This event aims to lead on from the earlier Bristol event, and will focus on the future for African, Asian and Caribbean artists and practitioners.
Investment in practitioners
Research – African, Asian and Caribbean visual arts practitioners are under-represented in mainstream galleries. decibel will be supporting research through the Visual Arts department of Arts Council England’s national office in working towards opportunities for African, Asian and Caribbean visual artists.
Curatorial Fellowships – decibel will fund three curatorial positions: one fellowship at £50,000 over two years and two trainee positions at £15,000 each for one year. This will identify opportunities for curators at two different levels of expertise. The fellowship is aimed at experienced curators to allow them the opportunity to work at a recognised professional level within a mainstream/national gallery. The traineeships will be targeted at new or emerging curators early in their careers.
Artists’ Awards – decibel will be launching six awards to artists at £30,000 each over two years to fund practice-based research. These awards will be available to British-based African, Asian and Caribbean artists working in any medium who have not previously won a major award. These will be selected through open application, nomination and research. A panel will make final selection for the awards after studio visits to shortlisted artists.
Profile – From October 2003 to March 2004, decibel will profile a body of work by African, Asian and Caribbean artists exhibiting throughout England.
More information available from
Colin Beesting: 020 7973 5290 or
Denrele Ogunwa: 020 7973 6421