If you cannot see this email properly click here 6th International Conference on Small Island Cultures (ISIC) and 2nd Art & Islands Conference What is the Conference? This year Art & Islands is delighted to be collaborating with Small Islands Cultures Research Initiative who will be hosting their 6th annual Conference in Guernsey alongside the 2nd Biennial Art & Islands Conference. The ISIC 6 & Art and Islands Conference is an extremely unique opportunity for both artists and academics to look at developing ideas and initiatives on how the arts can effect and be instrumental in social change, looking in particular at small island’s culture and environment. Theme of Conference The theme of the conference is Art, Islands and Islomania. Islomania is a term to describe people who find islands irresistible. the writer Lawrence Durrell coined the phrase and described the condition as "a rare affliction of spirit" People who suffer from islomania are filled "with an indescribable intoxication” at the "mere knowledge that they are in a little world surrounded by sea". Where and When? The conference runs from Wednesday 23rd June until Friday 25th June 2010 and will be held at the historic Castle Cornet in the charming town of St Peter Port. During the Conference there will be opportunities to visit installations by Andy Goldsworthy and Antony Gormley. Plus the chance to see local talent perform at the Princess Royal Performing Arts Centre as well as a trip to Herm. What is Art & Islands? "Art and Islands is part of the International Artist in Residence Programme and is a new initiative set up to invite and commission artists from around the world to work on, and respond to, Guernsey and the other Bailiwick islands of Alderney, Herm and Sark." Eric Snell, Director of the IAIRP A Bit More About ISIC? "When I attended the 5th annual International Small Island Cultures Conference (ISIC) in Sado Island, Japan last June, what I discovered was the wealth of academic research that is going on worldwide into the cultural lives of small islands, specifically their language, literature, music, and dance. That is why I am so delighted that the Guernsey Arts Commission is able to play a part in welcoming their 6th annual conference to Guernsey. With the title of 'Art, Islands and Islomania' the conference offers a real opportunity for us on Guernsey to deepen and widen our understanding of the importance of art and culture to the life of our island. This is especially unique as Islands have their own unique identities and perhaps one way we can appreciate our own culture is to understand other island cultures and to compare. What is exciting is to be able to connect to other cultures and other peoples and this conference will enable us to do just that." Tony Gallienne, Chairman of Guernsey Arts Commission Antony Gormley This year Herm Island is set to become the latest Channel Island for Antony Gormley to install his work. One of his 'Another Time' pieces will take centre stage on the beautiful Island around Easter time and will remain there until early next year. Community Participation Whether it's attending a seminar or joining in a workshop there will be many opportunities for local residents to be involved in the conference. We will be keeping you updated of all the participatory opportunities in the coming months as they are confirmed. We will also keep our website www.arts.gg updated with the latest news about the conference. Andy Goldsworthy During the conference delegates will have the exciting opportunity to view a specially commissioned work from Andy Goldsworthy. Entitled Pembroke Beach the work is inspired by Goldsworthy’s larger installation Alderney Stones which opens in Alderney in the Spring of 2011. Local art students will also be given the rare opportunity to work alongside Goldsworthy during the week of the conference. Delegates and locals alike will be able to visit Pembroke Beach where the installation is to be completed on Friday 25th June 2010. Conference Partners As well as the Guernsey Arts Commission, this year the Art &s Islands Conference is delighted to announce it's working partnership with the Culture and Leisure Department, HSBC Private Bank, Hiscox's, Herm Island and The College of Further Education. What One of Our Partners Think: "We are absolutely delighted that Antony Gormley has agreed to exhibit one of his "Another Time" pieces on Herm Island. On discussion with Antony, he saw that the proposed sighting of the piece on Petite Monceau towards the Northern end of the Island, would be perfect for the lone figure to look out to sea. It is an exciting development for Herm Island, as it is our first engagement with exhibiting art, and it is of course fabulous to take these first steps with an artist of such international repute. It is with great thanks that Eric Snell, Director of IAIRP was able to facilitate the process, following on from a successful exhibition of Antony’s work on Castle Cornet." Coming Soon....... Monthly newsletters with Conference information, including ticket prices and how to book! Guernsey Arts Commission, Guernsey Information Centre, North Esplanade, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2LQ W: www.arts.gg E: info@arts.gg T: (01481) 739747 A company limited by guarantee with charitable status, registered in Guernsey, number 49101 If you wish to be removed from this mailing list please click here