NUEVATOPIA
In 2011 we reviewed our mission, programme objectives and how best to deliver them. Our mission remains to 'produce outstanding projects with artists, to investigate contemporary global concerns that motivate change'. We will focus the lens on today's global challenges including biodiversity loss, food production, exponential human population growth, urbanisation and human consumption. Constantly pushing for excellence in each production, activities throughout the programme will include talks and presentations, exhibitions, publications, Internet-based work and documentation through photography and video.
Programme 2012 – 2016
Our programme is shaped by Chocó in all senses. Our Base will be used as a real and virtual platform for projects in association with South American, African and Asian partners between 2012 and 2016. It will offer participants an opportunity to stay in this extraordinary location, to consider pressing concerns and to share knowledge with the region's communities. We developed a broad theme in 2011, which gives structure to our future programme.
Utopia and dystopia were important concepts in the creation of the Chocó Base. Since 2016 marks the 500th anniversary of Sir Thomas More's 'Utopia', when the word first entered language and minds in Europe, it is timely and appropriate that our programme should seek to consider the notion of a 'Nuevatopia’ (Newtopia), from this off-centre vantage point in the 'developing' world.
These concerns take on a powerful meaning when considered from and within Colombia's endangered Chocó rainforest. This equatorial region represents one of two global social and environmental poles that have moved further apart as urbanisation and western-style capitalism take root and cities expand. We believe in the potential to bring these poles together, to interact, cooperate and learn from one another rather than compete.
Nuevatopia has three strands:
1. Global South Exchanges
A programme of international exchanges, between Africa, Asia and Latin America to generate collaborations and discussions between artists, local leaders, communities and national/international participants. Each project in Colombia will take approximately 4- 6 weeks, split between Chocó and our partners in Cali, Medellín or Bogotá. One Colombian artist will be invited to work with an African partner organisation each year.
2. Plataforma Chocó
Building on the first three Plataforma Chocó projects, one artist each year from Colombia will be invited to Chocó and also to a national partner. The first Plataforma Chocó in 2012 will explore issues relating to food, sustainability and health. The artist will then develop this project within an urban context. Collaborations will involve us as producers, Colombian artists, Chocó's communities, national and international audiences including educational and cultural institutions, the press and media.
3. Space to Reflect
Participants linked to academic institutions, media and publications from around the world will be invited to take time out from their practice to stay at the Chocó Base. In addition to having time to reflect on their work and engage with local communities, they will be invited to consider the programme in Chocó and produce a written piece of work to be included in the 2016 Nuevatopia book.
Nuevatopia 2016
The results of the above strands and selected participants will form part of an ambitious programme of activities and events that will take place throughout 2016, to mark the anniversary of More's ‘Utopia’, incorporating work of the previous four years in a mobile exhibition. This will be developed with our national and international partners and will include a book based on ideas explored through the projects.
Other community engagement projects may take place in Chocó, Colombia and with our International partners involved in the Global South Exchanges. The foundation will invite major arts institutions, International Development Agencies and other national institutions to join the programme.
