[artinfo] NIMK: Media Art, We Care!

[Andreas Broeckmann]

From: "Nederlands Instituut voor Mediakunst" <nimk at mailinglijst.nl>
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:05:03 +0200
Subject: Media Art, We Care!


Media Art, We Care

The Dutch Secretary of state for culture, Halbe Zijlstra, has 
published his policy plan for the coming years on June 10th. In 
contrast to the official recommendations given to him by his advisory 
board, the Raad voor Cultuur, these historic cutbacks will not be 
spread out over a number of years but will take immediate effect as 
of January, 2013.

Next to the devastating effect for the whole field of emerging arts 
and innovation, this means that the Netherlands Media Art Institute 
is facing a 100% cut in its structural governmental funding.

Ever since the foundation of MonteVideo gallery in 1978, the 
Netherlands Media Art Institute has specialized in media and 
electronic art that seeks the creative possibilities of contemporary 
media and technology. Today we are an internationally renowned and 
all-round cultural organization, active and recognized in the areas 
of creation, presentation, research and conservation.

The collection of the Netherlands Media Art Institute comprises over 
2,000 works of more than 500 (inter)national artists and is the 
beating heart of the Institute. Historically, international exchange 
has always been an essential part of media art. At this moment, we 
annually distribute works from our collection to up to 35 countries 
worldwide. The total spectrum of activities includes exhibitions, 
education and research, and a high level of international cooperation.

Through such diverse functions, the Institute fulfils its role as 
intermediary for the media art sector: building bridges between 
artists, art institutions and the public: a center of expertise that 
makes its resources widely available.

Contrary to all recommendations and expectations we are now facing 
major challenges in keeping the Institute alive in order to remain an 
active leading player in the field of art, technology and innovation.

We are very much aware that the days of individualism are history. 
Alliances within and beyond the arts, partnerships and shared 
leadership will be key to help us through these unstable economic, 
political and social times.

The Netherlands Media Art Institute, being a valuable node in an 
international network, believes in the strength of this Institute, 
the sector and the potential of the artists and our partners. We are 
dedicated to invest all of our energy and efforts to keep media art 
vibrant and alive.

We welcome your response! We'd like to hear your opinion about NIMk 
and about the current situation. Send your response to 
<mailto:nfo at nimk.nl>info at nimk.nl and we publish it online or use the 
responsbox online (only for facebook users): 
<http://nimk.nl/eng/media-art-we-care>http://nimk.nl/eng/media-art-we-care


Important links
Response by the art and new media institutions Steim, V2_, 
Mediamatic, De Waag Submarine Channel, WORM and NIMk: 
<http://nimk.nl/eng/response-new-media-and-art-institutions-to-govermental-cuts-source-of-innovation-is-eliminated>http://nimk.nl/eng/response-new-media-and-art-institutions-to-govermental-cuts-source-of-innovation-is-eliminated

De Zaak Nu: 
<http://www.dezaaknu.nl/nieuws/2011/06/15/dear_mr_zijlstra>http://www.dezaaknu.nl/nieuws/2011/06/15/dear_mr_zijlstra

Sign the online Petition: 
<http://petities.nl/petitie/bezuinigen-op-cultuur-zonder-alle-feiten-nooit>http://petities.nl/petitie/bezuinigen-op-cultuur-zonder-alle-feiten-nooit