Alessio Antoniolli
Alessio Antoniolli received his MA in Art History from Birkbeck college, University of London in 98; specialising in issues of internationalism, diversity and cultural policies in the visual arts in the UK. Since 2005 he has worked as Director of Gasworks in London, and Triangle Arts Trust, where he is focusing on creating and supporting the development of artists’ projects in Africa, South America, South Asia and the Middle East. Recent projects include developing a section of the Triangle network in South America, linking artists’ collectives in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia; and securing funding for umbrella projects in Africa leading to the development of artists workshops in Lebanon, Jordan, Mozambique and Ramallah amongst others. Previously, Alessio ran the International Residency Programme at Gasworks, curating a programme of artists’ residencies and outreach activities for artists based outside the UK. During this time he created several links with UK and international visual arts organisations as a means to support the development and dissemination of emerging international artists. Examples include developing links with the South London Gallery on the occasion of Africa ’05 and establishing long-term partnerships with Artist Links in China 2002-06 and the Charles Wallace India and Pakistan for the residencies of Indian and Pakistani artists at Gasworks. During this time he was involved in various curatorial projects as part of Gasworks' residency programme and independently.
Triangle Arts Trust
London, UK
Triangle Arts Trust, established in 1982 by Robert Loder and Anthony Caro, is organised as a network of artists, visual art organisations, and artists-led workshops. Through its activities the Trust encourages, experimentation, artists' mobility, exchange, and fresh thinking; with an emphasis on process and professional development. Each centre within the Network is independent and set up to respond to local needs.
The Workshop Model provides an uninterrupted period of two weeks where 20 –25 artists from diverse cultural backgrounds engage with each other to explore new ideas and expand the boundaries of their practice. Half of the participating artists are from the host country, giving the workshop a strong local base, while the remainder are international.
The Residencies last up to 3 months and offer the possibility of a longer term exchange. The International Network provides opportunities for artists to further extend the process of exchange and encourages the sharing of information and skills.
During workshops and residencies artists focus on work in progress rather than the finished product. The activities are non-prescriptive and process-based, emphasising experimentation and fresh thinking. Participants are encouraged to develop work they might not do in their own studios and to participate fully in the intense dynamic that develops when artists work alongside each other in a stimulating environment.