Dear All,
in recent times we started our research project on the topic of collecting in former socialist countries. Our project ´Eastern European Collectors´ makes researches in 9 countries (or probably 10, if including Russia), working with experts from each country and searches the similar and different patterns and the roles of art collections and of collecting, and showing people and institutions from each country their influence how the local art scenes in recent years transformed in terms of collecting art.
Collectors of contemporary art became influential members of the art scenes with their important and active role in societies: by following traces of art and how they became partners and supporters for the artists, galleries and cultural institutions. By their commitment to art they are convincing examples to their social environment.
We like to show the aspects of how collecting transformed in former socialist countries and how collections, both public and private, transform local art scenes. In many societies art collections contain important potential for the future of societies and cities.
Enjoy reading and spread the news!
Hans Knoll, Gabriella Czibóka
Ein hochinteressantes Thema, das meines Wissens nach, noch von niemanden grundlegend erörtert und hinterfragt wurde. Die gegenseitige Beziehung und Beeinflussung zwischen Kunst – Künstler – Sammler (öffentlich und vor allem privat) wird sich in Zukunft deshalb so intensiv gestalten, weil sich die öffentliche Hand, mangels finanzieller Ressourcen in Ost- und Mitteleuropa, immer mehr von der Kunstszene verabschieden wird!
Trotzdem: Ein hoffentlich gesunder Mix aus “Öffentlich” und “Privat” ( neue Mittelschicht und nicht nur Oligarchen) ohne bedingungslosem Nacheifern des amerikanischen Modells!