ABOUT BRIDGE

BRIDGE is an exciting cross-cultural collaboration between ArtCan (UK) and ÖSKG (Sweden) and is the result of the shared vision of Pernilla Iggström, artist and curator at ArtCan, and Christel Lundberg, Manager of ÖSKG/Tjörnedala Konsthall. They met at a speed networking event at Supermarket Independent Art Fair in Stockholm in 2022 and immediately found common ground. They also realised that their two organisations shared similar ethos and the idea of BRIDGE was born.

BRIDGE is a long-term collaboration with an annual exhibition, alternating between Southern Sweden and London. Tjörnedala Konsthall is situated in the rural landscape of East Skåne (East Scania) while ArtCan is active internationally with its base in metropolitan London – contrasts that create interesting dynamics in the project. The purpose of the collaboration is to connect across physical and metaphorical borders, and break down cultural, social and political boundaries. The aim is to increase diversity, inclusion and an understanding of artists’ different working conditions.

For BRIDGE2023 (18 Nov – 10 Dec), ten artists from each organisation were selected and paired up. Without knowing each other previously, each pair was asked to connect through email, messages, phone calls and video calls, and were encouraged to meet up in person. Their only guidelines were to communicate beyond the studio space, exchange ideas and to take inspiration from each other’s lives and culture. The focus was on each duo’s shared journey, evidenced in joint installations at the BRIDGE exhibition at Tjörnedala Konsthall in Sweden. Deep friendships were formed. It was a successful exhibition which attracted the local media.

In 2024, it is ArtCan’s turn to host BRIDGE2024 in London. The exhibition will open to the public at Downstairs at The Department Store in Brixton on 20 September and close on 25 September. Funding allowing, it will be extended to 29 September to fit in the ambitious and rich programme of public events that is planned: Private View, artist’s talks, workshops, performance art and a networking event. BRIDGE2024 will welcome the local community and invite collaborations with Brixton based organisations. The two curators will present a research project, MUG, at the exhibition which is based on interviews with people living and/or working in Brixton. BRIDGE2024 will also host local school classes to immerse in the themes of diversity, international cross-collaboration and go beyond one’s comfort zone.

ARTIST QUOTES

BRIDGE2023 Artists’ Experience

“…taking an intuitive way of working, we were able to get to know each other gradually and find where our work intersected and embrace the process of collaboration. It was great that we had plenty of time to make connections.”

“I am thankful for the opportunity to visit my partner in her home and studio, as this provided inspiration for future work.”

“The climax was when we met.”

“We connected at a fast pace and shared a lot of similar ideas, and had a good productivity.”

“It was a pleasure to be involved/participating in the collaboration.”

“I felt a part of something special and exciting…”

“You encouraged us to really experiment, see what came up, and that is such a refreshing and exciting way of working for our practices.”

“Connecting with other artists is always exciting and makes you grow as an artist.”