Residencies

Image: Information and images from UAL website

I aim to apply to the UAL Art for the Environment Residency Programme due to my interest in waste management, recycling practices, and the transformation of consumer behaviours. I hold an equally strong interest in each of the residencies mentioned above and their potential impact on my artistic practice.

The following few years my plan is to apply and hopefully take part in as many residencies around the world as possible in order to fully research and develop my portfolio of work. I believe that residencies will be significant due to following reasons:

1. Dedicated Time and Space: The offer of uninterrupted time and space to focus on creative practice without the usual distractions of daily life it will be highly welcomed. This dedicated time allowing for concentrated work, exploration, and experimentation.
2. Inspiration and Collaboration: The residencies  that I am mostly interested in are taking place in new and stimulating environments, that will hopefully provide fresh sources of inspiration. Also the interaction with the other artists, local communities, and diverse cultures can lead to collaboration, exchange of ideas, and artistic growth.
3. Access to Resources and Facilities: Many residencies provide access to specialised equipment, facilities, or materials that, in my case after college, will not longer be available, for example welding large pieces of metal. This also allows for the exploration of new techniques and mediums.
4. Professional Development: Participation in residencies can contribute to further develop my practise. They offer opportunities to exhibit work, network with other artists, curators, and art professionals, thereby expanding my career opportunities and visibility within the art world.
5. Cultural Exchange and Exposure: Residencies often take place in different parts of the world, enabling artists to immerse themselves in new cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This exposure can enrich my practice and broaden my horizons.
6. Artistic Reflection and Growth: The dedicated time and change of environment often encourage self-reflection, allowing me to reassess my artistic practice, set new goals, and experiment with different approaches or subject matters.
7. Community Engagement and Education: Some residencies involve community outreach or education programs, allowing me to engage with the local population, sharing their skills and knowledge.

Overall, art residencies will provide me with a valuable opportunity to immerse myself in a different environment, and focus on making, leading to personal, professional, and artistic growth.

Additionally, within the span of five to ten years, my objective is to establish a residency programme in my country of origin, Romania. The primary goal of this initiative will be to collaborate with craft artists in a bid to revive and rekindle old traditions. Specifically, I intend to focus on the art of wrought iron metalwork created using traditional methods that don't rely on welding techniques.

This envisioned residency program seeks to serve as a platform for preserving and celebrating the heritage of craftsmanship, emphasising the importance of traditional techniques in creating wrought iron art. By engaging with artisans skilled in these time-honoured practices, the aim is to reignite interest and appreciation for these crafts within both the local community and the broader artistic sphere.

Through this endeavour, the plan is to foster an environment where artists can explore, learn, and reinvigorate the rich cultural legacy of wrought iron metalwork, not just as a form of artistry but as a means of connecting with and honouring the heritage and craftsmanship that defines Romania's cultural identity.

Future exhibitions

Convergence, 2023, Exhibition view and Opening evening event

Following the successful installation and the positive reception of our exhibition, I am in the process of proposing our event to several other venues for potential exhibitions. The spaces I am considering include:

1. The Crypt, which regularly hosts a diverse array of exhibitions, events, and is open for hire for various artistic activities such as exhibitions, book launches, arts events, filming, photo-shoots, and performances.
2. Peckham Levels, a creative hub situated within a former multi-storey car park on Rye Lane since 2017, dedicated to shaping the future of cultural experiences in London for both artists and audiences.
3. Copeland Gallery, a pivotal contributor to the burgeoning art scene in Peckham, known for accommodating numerous solo shows, group exhibitions, and private views.

My aim also involves organising two exhibitions annually, focusing on current societal concerns and areas of interest. Organising these exhibitions entails careful consideration of various crucial steps. My approach will involve:

• Establishing concepts and themes that center around pertinent social issues and present-day topics of significance.
• Setting clear objectives and goals, tailored to the intended audience and aimed impact.
• Budget planning encompassing expenses for space rental, marketing, artwork preparation, promotional materials, staffing, and other associated costs.
• Securing suitable spaces that resonate with the themes and specifications of each exhibition.
• Curating artworks by engaging artists, evaluating submissions, and selecting pieces that align with the themes and goals of the exhibitions.
• Overseeing the installation process with technical support.
• Implementing a comprehensive marketing and promotional strategy involving the creation of promotional materials, social media utilisation, outreach to press and media, and collaboration with local influencers or organisations.
• Managing event logistics, including oversight of invigilation, coordination of opening events, and creating an engaging experience for visitors through guided tours, artist talks, and workshops.
• Conducting a comprehensive evaluation at the conclusion of each exhibition to identify strengths and areas that require improvement.