Cementa_13 has been a fascinating, complex social event which will reside in my memory as a local artist and participant for the rest of my life. We live with many global and local uncertainties, many community and personal insecurities and issues which invade our sense of well-being, and in my own case a gut-reaction to eschew many forms of Art and Art practice which smack of the culture of exclusivity, nepotism and callous opportunism I witnessed as an Arts student during the mid-90’s.
Cementa_13 could have represented everything I loathe about contemporary Art instead it surprised with its sensitivity toward community, its quirky vibrancy, its inclusivity, its foxiness and will to thrive; and thrive it did, like a beautiful weed with medicinal properties spreading through the local and wider public consciousness – playful, un-self-consciously daring, making Kandos what it has never been before a pilgrimage for casual art goers and aficionados alike.
Above all a co-operative interface was established with business’ and not-for profit organisations with the outcome of revitalising the towns joie de vivre as it meets the challenges of the 21 st century, now armed with another arrow in the quiver, Cementa_15?!
Thanks go to the inspirational Directors, Anne Finnigan, Alex Wisser and Georgina Pollard.