Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts
presented by TransCultural Exchange
April 27-29, 2007

Conference Success Stories

Alexandria, Egypt
Photos by Susan Paszkiewicz-Toler

"At the Boston conference in the spring of 2007, I learned of an artist residency opportunity in Egypt. In October, I flew to Cairo for a month-long residency with an excellent artist who does fine papermaking, painting, and printing. It was spectacular. My studio was located in Old Islamic Cairo. Every day I walked past many historical religious sites, sometimes stopping to explore them. Across from my studio was a sculpture studio. It was great to see the work there and to talk with other artists. An Egyptian artist I met invited me to visit her studio too. We are discussing a possible joint show in Egypt, and then perhaps in the United States. My residency included a five-day workshop in Alexandria, where I studied with a professor who was a design consultant for the new Alexandria Library. In Alexandria, I met artists from around the globe who were attending an international workshop. A Web designer from Nigeria and I now e-mail regularly, sharing images of our work. I'm returning to Egypt in April 2008 for another residency and the opportunity to connect with other cultures and artists."

- Susan Paszkiewicz-Toler, Attendee
2007 Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts

Berlin and Reykjavik
Photos and Print by Lara Loutel

"I was assigned to (the Bridge Guard Residence Art/Science Center founders) Hanneke and Karol Frühauf for the portfolio review at the 2007 Conference. They were interested in reproducing one of my pieces in a limited edition screenprint. Between the Frühaufs and the TransCultural Exchange it was financially possible for me to meet the Frühaufs in Zurich to sign and number the edition, and also spend time in Berlin and Reykjavik. I also met two artists in Berlin who have worked with TransCultural Exchange and the Frühaufs suggested I meet with one of the artists who had worked at their residency. I remain in contact with all of these people as well as other artists who I met. The 2007 Conference directly led to a greater exposure of my work through the Frühaufs' edition, a chance to travel, and many foreign artist contacts which will make future foreign activities much more likely to occur."

- Lara Loutel, Attendee
2007 Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts

Gozo Contemporary

Gozo, Malta
Photo by Naveed Nour

"Not knowing something is one problem; but not knowing what we don’t know is a bigger problem. Once I figure out what I don’t know, my life becomes much easier, because then I can learn. Based on my research, that was exactly why I decided to participate in the 2007 TransCultural Exchange Conference, with the hope of meeting peers from around the world who would open my eyes to new paths and ideas. My reasoning paid off in ways I would never have imagined possible. The conference was an opportunity for me to capitalize on, and so I did. The format was extremely friendly and accessible, with great international participants who were there to share their knowledge. I met artists, curators and educators from all over the world; and as a result I was rewarded with an invitation by Gozo Contemporary in Malta to participate in a week long artist residency program. Subsequently I also received a stipend from TransCultural Exchange towards this program, which is helping me to complete my project. The result of my travel to Malta is an art collaboration with Norbert Attard, a great international artist from Malta and founder of Gozo Contemporary. I have created and now maintain relationships with other TransCultural participants, which will turn into future collaborations. Last but not least, my networking with guests at the last dinner of the event has led to my collaboration with the Massachusetts College of Arts for whom I have designed and will teach a new course. For sure this won’t be the end of my experience and I can’t hardly wait for the next chapter of TransCultural Exchange in 2009.

To learn about the Malta Project, please visit http://www.naveednour.com/mltproject.html.
For more information about me please visit:

www.naveednour.com | www.photoemerge.com | www.historyrecalls.org"

- Naveed Nour, Attendee
2007 Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts

Kala Residency

Berkley, California
Photo courtesy Jitendra Baoni

Attaining Kala Residency was a dream fulfilled. I met international contemporary artist and got an opportunity to enhance and share knowledge. After reaching Kala Art, Berkeley, I got that what I dreamt of. The working atmosphere was extremely friendly with all the possibilities of equipment and facilities.
The best part was twenty four hour studio access. I chose to do lithography in Kala. I am fascinated with lithography and its technique as the results are unique.

Kala often had exciting programs in the evening, so I could meet art educators and artists from different countries who visited there.

At the end of my Kala AIR residency the Kala community decided to keep my talk about the work which I did during my residency. That was very exciting thing for me as I could discuss about my work with the artist community. After my talk an art lover bought one of my litho works for her collection.

Experiencing artistic life globally was like a lifetime experience.

- Jitendra Baoni

http://jitendrabaoni.blogspot.com/2008/04/my-experience-as-kala-air-berkeley-sf.html