Puglia 2008
BBC Coverage
BBC broadcast journalist Matt Youdale visited the Young Artist Biennale in Italy - has three reports were shown on the news over three consecutive night, Watch it here.
UK Young Artists Case Study
Laura McCafferty
The actual positive outcome far outweighed my expectations of the event. I went into the Biennale experience open to everything and tried not to imagine what it would be like; although I had a feeling that putting more than 1000 young artists from 46 countries, together in one place for a week had the potential of being exciting, diverse and inspirational.
I was right. The whole place was buzzing with activity, performance, dance and exhibitions. Although the quality was wide ranging, it gave me the chance to view my own artwork in an international context and gain feedback from my UK and European peers. I sold a piece to a collector in Turin, received press coverage and visited an art dealer for a possible solo exhibition in 2009 and has inspired a new collection of artwork. Friendships have been formed and there is definite possibility for future collaborations as we were able to gain an understanding of each other's practices.
I found new confidence in myself as an artist and realised the benefit of being around other artists. Therefore on my return I rented a second space in a Nottingham group studio. By spending two days per week there I can develop ideas, draw and work together to create a recognised artists' studio both locally and nationally.
I hope that we were the first of many UK young artists to take part as I feel that participation will inject new energy and dialogue into our creative community. It was an honour to be chosen to represent the UK and would recommend it to anyone open to opportunity.
Hetain Patel
I find the most exciting aspect of being an artist is the creative process - the challenge, the freedom, the playing, and if you're lucky a piece of work that you can't wait to share with an audience. Being given the opportunity to take such a work out to Bari to present it in an international context was a privilege. Not only did I receive lots of great feedback and exposure but also got to experience a wide range of work from other young artists living in Europe and the Mediterranean. I got to know many of the other British artists for the first time at the biennale and made some great friends while I was there. Engaging with the arts and artists internationally opens your eyes to the possibilities of cultural exchange. It reaffirms your faith in art and what it can do beyond the gratification of the artist. I had an unforgettable time in Bari and I'm already jealous of the group that get to be involved in the next biennale!