Report on visit to Dublin 6/7th September 2008Le Chéile Cystyllt Exchange Project The purpose of the visit was for Veronica Calarco and Andrew Smith to meet with Monica de Bath, Pamela De Bri, Eileen Keane in Ireland. Summary of visit 6th September 2008
Veronica and I travelled on Friday night and we were able to have a substantial discussion about collaboration and how this project could develop but also wider issues about exchange and residencies. This in turn led to focusing on the group idea, forming a membership for developing projects and new ideas. This was a very useful brainstorming time and Veronica has made substantial links with Celtica, The Port Celtic Festival 2008, Port Adelaide and Country Arts SA.
Celtica, organised by Suzanne Laslett has previously not had a visual art element and participation by Le Chéile Cystyllt would be the first presentation with other artists. It would take place in various centres (up to eight) around/close to the festival site in Port Adelaide during December 2008. Country Arts SA (contact Rob Johnston) is a substantial touring exhibition programme taking visual art to regional and remote areas of South Australia. Exhibitions tour for over 18 months. There would be a requirement for artists to attend this event throughout its duration and there is some funding for this. At the time of writing Le Chéile Cystyllt has been provisionally selected for this programme so this is tremendous news. Thanks to Veronica for making very good progress in developing the project here.
