For many artists, to have the opportunity to create their artworks in a natural environment, able to add on to its landscape as part of its future heritage, would be a dream come true.
That is precisely what Enclave Land Art Org‘ offers on its Landscape Art Residency project since 2016, for a selected group of likeminded artists.
Each edition selects seven artists to suit the theme and chosen area better. They receive a grant, materials, and accommodation. They are supported by other external collaborators that will help with additional information, access to the locations, and to keep all in the best ethical, sustainable, and harmonic way, under the organiser’s supervision. Enclave’s Team believes that: Artists must be paid for their work like any other professionals.
The group will explore many of Valencia’s Region’s unique landscapes in Spain. One of the main objectives is to include the local communities as much as possible in many different forms. Artists will work on their individual projects with the locals and their fellow artists’ collaboration. This will ensure that each artist final project results, together with the cultivated relationships, will continue to grow and develop for long after each venture’s end. Which is happening since the start of this programme.
“We want to increase the resources to preserve its cultural heritage and natural landscapes in the areas”
Miguel Mallol
I spoke with Miguel Mallol, one of the Enclave’s Founder director, also an Independent Curator and Co-Founder of the Venice Curatorial Course. He explains that: ”We want to increase the resources to preserve its cultural heritage and natural landscapes in the areas”. Steadily searching for the best results and economic impact in the Regions.
The first edition was held in 2016 and took place at Vistabella Del Maestrazgo. This small village was reconquered from the Muslims by the Christians many centuries ago. Part of the ‘Reconquista’ campaigns that recaptured the Iberian Peninsula territories occupied by the Muslims in the early 8th century.
Artists should create their work within the idea of repopulation in mind. A revival of a very close environment that the community is very proud of, adding to this proud. Three artworks of this edition are now part of the landscape. As Miguel says: “One of the goals is to bring Contemporary Art everywhere, even in spaces where people are not directly related to yet”.
Video: Enclave Land Art
Research is a big part of the process that artists must consider when presenting their ideas to the selection committee. It will be a fundamental part of their proposed outcome. They must frame their ideas within Enclave goals and visions while gathering a better understanding of their working areas. The Residency isn’t only to achieve physical pieces blending with the landscape. Photography, audio-visual, writing and other mediums are also very important, as it may be exhibited/shown to the public in many different ways, places and time.
“One of the goals is to bring Contemporary Art everywhere, even in spaces where people are not directly related to yet”
Miguel Mallol
On its second edition, in 2018, artists were taken to the beautiful landscape that surrounds the Penyagolosa’s Natural Park. They stayed and worked in a more isolated area than the previous edition. A place that is also known by its many sacred and pagan symbols, and by traditions and legends inherent to its inhabitants. The programme started in the summer solstice day and Saint John’s festivities, helping the artists to have an inclusive experience about these traditions and some histories such as the ‘gate of the hell’ as Penyagolosa’s peak is also known. For this edition, the group had generated four physical artworks that are now part of the landscape, and three visual and literature pieces.
When artists met and started to get familiar with each other and the environment.
Ana Meneses -François Davin -Helga Pavskan -Justin Tyler -Milagros Arias -Silvina Soria -Sunčica Pasuljević
Video: Enclave Land Art
Funding like in any artistic activity, it is an always part of the work carried out by organisers to ensure their projects’ success. And as those on this industry knows, a job by itself. So far, Enclave had managed to fund their programs with the support of a few Public Institutions directly linked with the residency areas, alongside with local Councils, Universities, Museums, and others supporting in kind from small local private business. As well as partnerships with local schools, that are also considering future joint initiatives.
Due to the COVID Pandemic, the third edition had to be postponed until later in 2021. Final dates to be confirmed as soon as possible.
Notwithstanding, as mentioned above, a lot of work must be done prior to the residency period. Thus, it has been confirmed that the third edition will be held at the Vall de Gallinera, closer to Alicante. Amid its mountainous landscape which provides the perfect protection for the many cherries, almonds, and olives threes that attracts many tourists to the valley.
We already know that after the next edition, the Residency should run every year. At the same time expanding Enclave’s other initiatives and presence throughout the year in those areas.
Although the project has started and, so far, been kept in the beautiful Spain landscapes, its mission and values had opened several discussions and possibilities. Institutions and artists are debating about replicating these ideas in the future for other Regions and Countries.