IAN

Region: Bristol | City: Bristol

Dialogue

Independent Artists Network

Independent Artists Network was formed in 1999 by a group of artists in Bristol, IAN began as a constituted group of enthusiastic independent artists wishing to generate new opportunities for artists in the Bristol area.

In 2000 the IAN team, headed up by Duncan Cameron, Neil Purcell and Clare Woods, organised their first event: ‘workplace’. This major event sited new works of contemporary visual art, music and performance by over 100 artists in empty buildings around the city. In 2003, on the strength of the success of ‘Workplace’, IAN developed their next project, ‘dialogue’. Led by Carolyn Black, ‘dialogue’ commissioned new temporary public artworks from 13 artists, including 4 from twin cities of Oporto and Hanover. The works were installed in and around Bristol City docks and audiences were accompanied on ferry journeys - by artists, poets and performers - to view the works. There was an integral education programme, partnered by Creative Partnerships and Arnolfini, and a one-day Symposium on the subject of Temporary Public Artworks, hosted by Arnolfini and funded by ALIAS. ‘dialogue’ was available free to the public for a 3 week period. A catalogue documenting the works and the conference papers has also been published.

In 2003 IAN moved from being a constituted group to a not-for-profit limited company, with 3 Directors and a steering committee. IAN received support from Alias during its period of reorganization.

Due to other commitments, directors Duncan Cameron and Carolyn Black decided to close IAN down in 2007 as both had moved on to other things. Duncan now teaches full-time and has recently published his first book - Shipwreck Detective (Hardcover) by Richard Platt (Author), Duncan Cameron (Illustrator). Carolyn is working freelance as a public arts consultant, working primarily with the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust.