Every two years, there is this exciting moment that everyone eagerly awaits: the launch of the Call for Contributions for the next ELIA Biennial. It’s a unique moment in the ELIA rhythm because the ELIA Biennial Conference brings together the entire, diverse community of ELIA members – representing all disciplines, professions and generations from all over Europe and the rest of the world.  

 

In 2024, our theme ‘Arts Plural’ will celebrate the concept of artistic intelligence, and we invite contributions from many different perspectives and forms. Of course, the world has already known for a full year that we will do this at NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan but just in case this is not in your agenda yet, please save the date for 20 – 23 November 2024.  

 

It has been our great pleasure to create the theme and Call for Contributions with the very energetic team at NABA. Thanks to a student competition, the exciting concept for the visual identity was created. Student contributions to the ELIA Biennial through the Call for Contributions are also encouraged and we hope to facilitate student travel to Milan with some budget.  The deadline for the Call for Contributions is 15 January 2024 – a good amount of time to prepare your submission.  

 

And in theme with ‘seizing the day’, we move closer to achieving another major milestone for ELIA. Those with an interest in work related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity, please keep your eyes peeled for another Call for Contributions: ELIA’s platform EDI invites the ELIA community to their first two-day gathering at Nida Art Colony in Lithuania from 15-16 April 2024. We are soon launching the Call for Contributions for the event which has the theme ‘Taking Space - Making Space’. Those with an interest in attending should note that space at this event is limited due to limited accommodation at Nida Art Colony and residential properties nearby this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site on the Curonian Spit. Those who can’t wait can also join the next EDI Online Session, on 25 January 2024 – save the date! 

 

Additionally, the final event of the EU-funded project FAST45 will take place on 6 and 7 December 2023 in Brussels. The event is fully booked for in-person attendance, however, some event recordings will be published at a later date on the FAST45 website. Learn more about this pan-European project, as the consortium finishes a three-year trajectory exploring futures thinking for higher arts education and developing futures scenarios, guidelines and conclusions together with the community.  

 

Finally, could I ask all those who attended the Leadership Symposium in Manchester to please fill in the evaluation survey, if you haven’t already done so. We changed many things in Manchester and would really like to get lots of feedback. It only takes a few minutes; we thank you greatly! 

 

Gratefully yours, 

Maria Hansen