ISAB
internationale sommerakademie autocenter berlin

When asked by the artist-run space autocenter if I could curate an exhibition for them in the middle of the summer, I replied that it was much more interesting to organize a summer academy, a moment where artists (professionals like beginners or amateurs), could meet and get together! We used the statement from the famous Salzburg summer academy, adapting it to our project and, during one week, had interesting discussions and funny ideas on the vast balcony from the venue. A place that reminded me of the one of the Hochschule für Gestaltung Ulm and of a famous photograph where one can see Joseph Albers teaching on their beautiful terrace.

Berlin has several art institutions, a few art schools, many galleries, various museums and more artists than any other European capital. But, once the summer comes, the city enjoys the sun and people do mostly meet at the lakes or bier gardens. Proposing an alternative to this, the new internationale sommerakademie autocenter berlin will strengthen the artistic attraction of Berlin and provide experimental artistic education in an energetic atmosphere.

Eberhard Havekost, Tatjana Doll, Robert Lucander, Bettina Allamoda and Marc Bijl are the internationally distinguished artists who will be directing three workshops and courses, lasting two days (Wednesday and Thursday), at the new internationale sommerakademie autocenter berlin (isab). They will be joined by the curator Inke Arns and the art critics Jennifer Allen and Andreas van Dühren on a third day (Friday) for critics, lectures and discussions. The teaching programme offers the opportunity of exploring individual themes with traditional and experimental techniques being taught at the highest level.

The location of the Sommerakademie – the artist run space autocenter – offers an ideal atmos- phere for inspiration and artistic productivity. The Academy provides an opportunity for young talents, art students, professional artists, ambitious amateurs and absolute beginners to work creatively in modern idioms.

For its first edition, the internationale sommerakademie autocenter berlin welcomes 45 participants, in three different classes (painting, sculpture and new-media), of every age and of any nationality. A fee of 45 euros, covering lunch and basic technical needs is requested.