To stop artist residencies in New York

We must stop artistic residencies in New York. In a motion submitted to the Grand Council, the UDC from Biel Sandra Schneider protests against the grants offered to Bernese artists. The elected official indicates that the location is inadequate because of the pollution induced by long journeys. It therefore proposes to favor collaborations with other cantons and neighboring countries. It is to forget all the cultural importance of New York answers him in substance the government.

“A crucial metropolis »

The Executive Council wished to recall that the Big Apple is a special place on the world cultural map, “a crucial metropolis which has no equivalent in Europe”. The government has also indicated that it is the only destination to be this far. The other grants are offered in Berlin, Paris or even Brussels, the latter being reserved for artists from the Bernese Jura. The executive also recalled the long tradition of stays in New York. The workshops have been offered there in two studios for 38 years, first in Manhattan and since last year in Brooklyn. It is the oldest stock exchange in the canton.

Adopt as a postulate

Finally, collaborations are already underway with other cultural bodies. The premises are used in partnership with several Swiss cities as well as with the cantons of Neuchâtel and Jura.

For all these reasons, the Executive Council proposes to adopt the motion as a postulate. He also specifies that the request of the elected UDC falls within the competence of the government. In the end, the only concession granted, the executive plans to make recommendations on ways to travel more ecologically. / jrg

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