The origin, basis and essence of the European Federation of artists' colonies – EURO-ART is the creation of a network of artists' colonies or villages in Europe. They represent an important common European cultural heritage. These artists' colonies were the birthplace of significant artistic trends and renovated in the 19th and 20th centuries European art as forerunners and pioneers of impressionism, realism, symbolism, surrealism, post-impressionism and expressionism.

 

In order to underline and to strengthen our unique identity and profile, the Steering Committee has proposed that only recognised historic artists' colonies, villages, cities and organisations can become working members of our Federation.

 

The Secretariat General was invited to define the main criteria of the historic artists' colonies :

− artists' colonies are an artistic and cultural phenomenon of European dimension ;

− they developed during the 19th and the 20th centuries throughout Europe ;

− artists' colonies were by no means limited to painting and graphic art, but encompassed literature, music, sculpture, performing arts as dance, theatre, etc., as well ;

− they were composed of several artists ;

− they were caracterised by a long lasting commitment ;

− they were voluntary associations or communities ;

− artists' colonies developed only at the countryside ;

− artists' colonies determined the identity of artists' villages or cities

 

 

The development of artists' colonies to artists' villages and cities of today should be promoted by EURO-ART so that these famous historic artists' colonies will continue to be active, lively and creative cultural centres and local points of intellectual and artistic activities in Europe and represent an essential contribution for the development of a European identity.

 

All demands for full and working membership shall be submitted to a scientific committee composed of five personalities recognised as high level experts in the field of artists’ colonies and designated by the Steering Committee. Their advice will lead the decision of the Steering Committee.

 

The demands for membership of associations of contemporary artists working still at the sites of the historic artists’ colonies or cities shall be submitted to an Expert group of four artists and art historians, member of EuroArt and designated by the Steering Committee.

 

The criteria for the admission of associations of contemporary artists shall be:

− belonging to a recognised artists’ colony or city, member of EuroArt;

− consisting of working artists (no trade unions of artists);

− coming from a member country of the European Union;

− representing high quality art work.

 

All applications shall be accompanied by an extensive file explaining the links with an historic artists’ colony.

 

 

These procedures shall help to maintain the unique profile of the European Federation of Artists’ Colonies – EuroArt.

Detaield information, how to become a member of EuroArt,

can be obtained at the Secretary General

Dr. Dr. h.c. Benno Risch

Mouflonlaan 55

B 3090 Overijse/Belgium

Phone: +32 268.76.844

Fax: +32 268.76.844

e-mail: pc.homework|a|scarlet.be