encounters art space
Hove
Our vision is to make art and artists accessible; our mission is to be an
exemplar of the democratisation of artistic expression and our values are those
of a true labour of love. ENCOUNTERS 2019 EDITION It has been a decade since
Encounters became an Open House. This milestone has provoked much reflection.
Why is Encounters important? What did we do? What are the characteristics of a
successful Open House? The book Encountering Encounters tells how our Open House
was created with the goal of sharing an artistic dream with the people that
visit the Brighton Festival each year. Our intent was to bring exceptional
artists from overseas to mingle with local artists and makers, thereby creating
opportunities for encounters that would not otherwise occur. We sought to
facilitate encounters through the appreciation of art, thereby forging new
connections between people. Encounters’ mission is to make a distinctive
contribution to a city that is imbued with a deep artistic culture. Encounters
believes in the democratisation of art. Today, this can be realised in new ways.
The art Industry is impacted by social and technological innovation, creating
never-before-available opportunities. We strive to be a trend-setting pioneer in
bringing innovation practices to enrich encounters between viewers, artists,
galleries, institutions and collectors. We use unusual art settings and adopt an
inclusive curatorial practice to promote social engagement. We recognise that
institutions and galleries play a vital role in art appreciation but they can be
distant and overwhelming. Encounters is committed to fight against a belief that
the appreciation of art is an elitist pursuit confined to a privileged few. This
vision, mission and values have enchanted many visitors. Encounters is the most
consistently successful Open House in the 35-year history of the Artists Open
House Movement, being the winner or in the top three of all open houses for five
years in a row. More than 10.000 visitors have enjoyed a unique blend of local
and international work. In all, 56 artists from 20 countries have shown a vast
and eclectic range of artwork and curated art educational projects. Many of
Encounters’ artists come from Latin America, where there is a vibrant, exciting
and dynamic art scene. They have brought a new artistic life force to Hove and
mingle with our talented local artists who gain from being part of an
international show. Encounters has developed beyond the Brighton Festival. In
2015 a new venture, Encounters-on-the-Road, was launched to work with kindred
spirits and co-create inclusive art experiences in different parts of the World.
Encounters-on-the-Road has shown work from leading Latin American artists in an
exhibition in Busan, Korea and, more recently other galleries in the UK and
Europe.
