12:18
UPDATE: This situation has been happily resolved, read more here.
The good news: Right now Piksel05 and Trondheim Matchmaking are in full swing, bringing Norwegian and international media artists together to show their work and create new networks. These two simultaneous events together constitute an excellent display of a vital Norwegian scene, a vitality largely due to the four centers of electronic art: Atelier Nord, BEK, TEKS and NoTAM. Along with the network organization PNEK (which coordinates collaborations and supports individual projects), these four “nodes” have grown to be hubs of activity, each with their special fields. As an example, the Generator.x conference became a reality through the support of Atelier Nord and PNEK with additional funds from the Arts Council Norway, and several of the artists and lecturers being representatives of the other nodes.
Right now the Norwegian electronic art scene is as strong as it has ever been, and much work has been done to build competence and empower local artists to use new tools. Media art has steadily been gaining acceptance in schools, art institutions and among the general audience.
The bad news: Centers and networks can’t exist without funding. Atelier Nord and NotAM have both existed for over 10 years, and are currently getting their support over the state budget, as is BEK. TEKS and PNEK have existed on 3 year experimental support, and will now have to be transferred onto Governmental support or stop their activities. In spite of a positive recommendation from the Arts Council Norway, the current proposition for a state budget does not include TEKS and PNEK. This means that the network which has been so successful is threatened.
There is an online petition to show support for TEKS and PNEK, which we urge anyone who has benefitted from the Norwegian network model for electronic art to sign. And if you went to the Generator.x conference, exhibition, club event or even read this blog as you’re doing right now, that means you.
Did! I hope it helps. YOu guys have been bringing great input to the world