Project of the week – The Independent AIR (Silkeborg)

The Independent Air is a residency and network created by and for young visual artists. An independent platform where it is possible to meet across artistic and cultural backgrounds and on their own terms, challenging, rethinking and developing the concept of art, the artist's role and the exchange between art and the viewer. The project also invites renowned international guest artists to contribute with presentations. Residency number two has recently been completed with great success.

A diverse art and cultural project
The Independent AIR is a diverse art and cultural project that falls under the category 'Soft City': A knowledge and competency program of Aarhus 2017, where the goal is to build knowledge, skills, expertise and networks across the creative and cultural sector in the years 2013 to 2016.
The project extends far beyond Europe and is based on commitment, idealism and development force. Establishment of the association and the organization of the first residency in 2013 has provided the basis for development and long-term local roots.

The residency is also a chance to meet the local community: Young aspirants have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with artists and art institutions, and citizens are invited to Artist Talks and art exhibitions. Moreover, it is initiator Sissel Thastums own family in Silkeborg that has opened the doors to their home for the residents.

The project is more than just an annual residency for 12 young artists. Much more. There is also a focus on developing exhibition concepts; mobile workshops for young people; international networking and exchange between cultural centres; planting of "The Independent Forrest" as CO2 compensation and a research project on the relationship of the arts and the viewer are among the milestones and achievements.

In 2017, the project culminates with:
• Mobile workshops for young people across the region
• Publication of research results - the results will be connected to the ‘Rethink’-themes on concept of art, the artist's role and relationship to the viewer
• International mini-conference on residencies
• The exhibition "Off The Wall" - where the artworks can be taken home
• Preparation and publication of a manual on how to create sustainable art events

Strong partners across Europe
The Independent AIR is at its core a European project rich with diversity. It is the result of international engagement and seeks to develop intercultural encounters on many levels, with long-term prospects. Therefore, it is gratifying that a strong group of European partners engage in both dialogue and development, and support the project goals and milestones.

These include culture and art centres in Sweden, Slovakia, Norway, Czech Republic and Pafos in Cyprus (which is European Capital of Culture the same year as Aarhus), local and regional cultural, photographic and art institutions, local schools and The Municipality and Cultural Council of Silkeborg.

From 2014 – 2017 they have scheduled 36 events, involving over 2000 people. The Independent AIR extends well beyond 2017 with the international network as the driving force of development.

Demand for sustainability and rethinking of habits
The Independent AIR includes sustainability as something natural and indisputable in the organization and development of the project. Sustainability is considered common sense and accountable for the good life. This is why the initiators behind the project impose tough environmental demands on themselves, in order to inspire the cultural sector regarding long-term sustainability.

The goal is to use 90 percent organic, climate friendly and primarily local foods; provide for proper waste sorting; efficient transport and use of bicycles; recycling and using eco-labelled products; planting of new forests to compensate for general CO2 emissions. They will publish a handbook for organizing sustainable art events based on these requirements and the experience they bring.

Read more about the project here.