A Deutsche mark of authenticity

Multiple creativity festivals, pop up ventures and open houses later if you thought Bengaluru couldn’t surprise you more, you have news. Having commenced from September 8, the city has been busy hosting BangaloREsidency 2017, an initiative to facilitate 12 German artists to showcase their art within the city. But that’s not all, because the protocol of the event also ensures that the artists are hosted in the most authentic ooru way.

“The idea is to offer the local art community a fresh perspective and creative input from abroad. But not just that, we aim well to initiate a dialogue and exchange of ideas,” shares Maureen Gonsalvez, cultural coordinator of the venture. Although the project doesn’t have to be completed during the duration of the residency, a short open studio is held to give an insight on their journey in the city. In simpler terms, these 12 artists from Germany will live, work and exchange with 12 local cultural partners over the next couple of months, and also interact with the city and its residents.

Running for a minimum of four and a maximum of eight weeks, it typically kicks off with an orientation. The host or the ‘cultural partner’ is responsible for the artist’s stay in the city. Giving them a taste of the local life, ensuring a broader network for their art is all taken care of. As dramatist Felizitas Stilekke believes, “The host organisation extending technical support as well as hospitality is what makes the venture intimate. Art is used as effective mediums for therapy and counselling these days. Interacting within the four walls of a home only helps make the entire outcome all that more personal and full of warmth.”

Yet, this isn’t the only quirk of the initiative. An artist is also allowed to change their project idea post further interaction with the people around. “The art projects pan across a wide range of mediums. Urban spaces, urban issues, workshops, poetry, performance arts, visual arts, and so on,” elaborates Thomas Heidtmann, participating artist. “Some projects are complete and get exhibited, others show work in progress. As applicants, we are aware the circumstances might cause changes in plans and proceedings. This in a way helps with a lot of self determination and preparation to go with the flow.”

Artist Bernd Lutzeler believes artists from Germany and the local community benefit from fresh perspectives and expanding horizons, mutually. “The scope for evolution expands only with substantial dialogue between other art enthusiasts,” he shares. “This kind of exposure not only boosts the art, but also creates a four-way platform where the artist, the host, the city and the people can connect and work towards performance installation.”