Culture Exchange UK and Kurdistan-Iraq

Gawthrop, Rob (2007) Culture Exchange UK and Kurdistan-Iraq. [Project]

Abstract / Summary

‘Culture Exchange UK & Kurdistan-Iraq’ is an artists’ research project instigated by Adalet Raza Garmiany and developed by the artists’ group, ArtRole (Garmiany UK/Kurdistan/Iraq; Blau,UK/ Luxembourg; Terry UK; Gawthrop, UK). Through research and practice involving UK/Kurdistan-Iraq art exchange, ArtRole aims to explore cultural difference through practice.

This is the first such artists’ exchange project since the first Gulf War; it takes place at a time when the “new generation” of Kurdistan-Iraq artists seeks greater understanding and international engagement, while UK perceptions remain dominated by images of conflict/war.

Phase One project outcomes brought artists from Kurdistan-Iraq to the UK: Wahby Raul, Ali Raza, Sami Muemin, Man Ahmad Hamid, Afan Sediq. They undertook a lecture tour and cultural visits, with Gawthrop co-ordinating and introducing the programme and chairing discussions. Lecture tour, February 2007: Serpentine Gallery; School of African and Oriental Studies; Royal College of Art; Slade School of Fine Arts; Live Art Development Agency; Yorkshire Sculpture Park; Ferens Art Gallery Hull.

Phase Two outcomes brought artists from UK & USA to Iraq-Kurdistan: Anne Bean, Clare Charnley, Richard Wilson, Adalet R. Garmiany and Rob Gawthrop (UK); Nancy Buchanan and Susan Meiselas (USA). The Kurdish Regional Government co-ordinated the lecture tour and cultural visits; Gawthrop lectured on art education, contemporary art in the UK, and his own practice. Lecture tour, November 2007: University of Erbil; Institute of Art, Erbil; Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture Erbil; University of Salahadin; Institute of Art, Sulymaniya; Aram Gallery, Sulymaniya.

Phase Three outcomes (2008-09) comprised of a touring exhibition, lectures and artists’ residencies.

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