"The Ladder is always there"- is the title of ann Irish Contemporary Performance Art Installation that went "live" last night and will be continue to be mounted as a living art expression in an on ongoing exhibit at CIACLA.org a new arts cultural center as a new interactive, international public space in the Bergamot Station in Santa Monica.
The opening, June 15th 6-9pm, was the launch of the CIACLA Summer Program, featuring the opening of Amanda Coogan's "The Ladder is Always There" presentation with live performances by Amanda Coogan, herself, and a selection of local artists.
A bit like a large living and changing ocean, this large moving gallery piece creates, changes with the players and the audiences. In the process, it transforms perspectives in the viewer who will be part of the piece and partner in discovering new visions along with ghosts of the past and present. Not just the players, but the patrons, begin stepping on new ground.
Expect the kinetic, the visual, the colorful and the stunning of this talented Belfast talent. Enjoy the odyssey into the mythic, the moving, the sensory, and be the judge, experiencer, and the outcome.
The work of a living, powerful, resourceful innovator, this doctoral artist, Amanda Coogan, is featured as the opening work for the new CIACLA (Contemporary Irish Arts Center Los Angeles) in suite B1, 2525 Michigan Avenue making a statement about the culture, exchange, history, herstory. As a fusion of the visual arts, contemporary issues, and discussions.: this launching piece of a roil of perspectives, a rush of feminism, a renewal of living history, a self-and group-perspective. Visitors and clients will partake of the width and breadth of this work and its leap into Ireland and and the contemporary. The installations and programs will embrace both the activities and outreach of artist leaders, schools and local/state institutions. The curated pieces will welcome participants and engage visitors with activities, artists, collaboration and art.
Coogan's chorus of flame colored dancers, newly composed music, and live sound and poetry, shares the space with out boundaries with patron turning art into a member participation. Her piece alters the distance from viewing into feeling so allows us to wonder about about the theme and purpose of the place. A new stage for Bergamot, Santa Monica, the arts, and the team whose Aisling Gael (bright dream) is collaboration, trade, transformation, and discovery.
Adrienne Rich as a source poem "Diving into the Wreck":
https://poets.org/poem/diving-wreck(poems 1971-1972, WW Norton & Co)
https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/eng2850htrc/?p=681
_______________________________________________
The Opening and the Gallery:
· info@ciacla.com
·
- Suite B1, Bergamot Station, Gallery 1
2525 Michigan Avenue,
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Learn about this vital new nonprofit that encourages Irish culture and Californian innovation, become a member, patron, friend, or participant:
http://ciacla.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CIACLA-Summer-Booklet-Web-3.pdf
The Artist:
http://www.amandacoogan.com/
Ms. Coogan's Bio:
Critically acclaimed Irish artist, Amanda Coogan, works across media including live art, performance, photography, and video. Many of her performances incorporate sculptural elements such as brightly colored, altered, or painted fabric, drawing on her degree in sculpture from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. Coogan also studied under acclaimed performance artist, Marina Abramovic, from 1999-2001. Her oeuvre, including her durational performances engage a cross-disciplinary approach, incorporating drama, theater, fashion, and the body. She has performed and exhibited her work at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, the Neimeyer Centre, Spain, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, and the Van Gogh Museum, among others.
The Work:
Previously performed and displayed in Jacksonville:
?The Ladder is always there
a new large-scale installation and live performances for project Atrium @ MOCA, Jacksonville
?26 November 2018 - 24 February 2019
https://mocajacksonville.unf.edu/Exhibitions/Project-Atrium/Amanda-Coogan/
https://visualartists.ie/events/the-ladder-is-always-there-amanda-coogan-at-contemporary-irish-arts-center-los-angeles/
She has her own column…see her website and the works section: celebrated on the postal stamp!
http://www.amandacoogan.com/
http://www.livecollision.com/portfolio-item/ill-sing-you-a-song-from-around-the-town/
A special print as a gift for becoming an anchoring member. Membership $75.00 to join in and support.
________________________________________________
Mission statement and Instigations:
"CIACLA promotes Contemporary Irish Culture and supports local diverse communities through a multidisciplinary program, in collaboration with local and international cultural partnerships.
CIACLA is focused on developing a creative platform to support and challenge artists as a means of promoting creative innovation and collaborative initiatives in
Los Angeles."
"CIACLA AIMS to
Develop creative platforms to support artists, as a means of promoting modern Irish culture, a space for Irish artists to make work and exhibit internationally.
The center allows Californian and Los Angeles communities to engage with local Irish diaspora, visiting artists and creatives, to generate new dialogues and enable an ongoing process of communication through creativity.
Facilitate collaborative methods of showcasing Irish Contemporary Culture, through public engagement and supports, while providing opportunities for contemporary artists through an exciting exhibition program and studio space residency "
This is an incubation space, a collaborative initiative, and an experiential exchange space for the artist/performer/and producers and the diaspora as well as those who may work, create, partner, and participate in this maker and exhibit space.
_______________________________________________________________
https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/contemporary-irish-arts-center-los-angeles-launch
Curator and Contact:
MATTHEW NEVIN
IRL: +353 86 1654610 USA: +1 310 594 5094 matthew@ciacla.com
Initiative of Culture Ireland and the Government of Ireland and newly created as a California 501 c 3.
_______________________________________________
Local Partners:
Comhaltas LA / Ceol na nAingeal, "Music of Angels," is the Los Angeles chapter of the international organization Comhaltas Ceolóirí Éireann, a group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. www.facebook.com/ComhaltasLA
Conradh na Gaeilge is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Gaelic (Irish, Scottish, & Manx) languages and cultures. We are a branch of Conradh na Gaeilge (The Gaelic League) which was founded in Ireland in 1893 and was a major force in the language and literary revival of Irish language and culture in Ireland.
www.gaelicla.com
The Ireland Funds is a global network of successful business leaders, influencers and philanthropists that support worthy causes in Ireland and in Irish communities across the world.
www.irelandfunds.org
Irelandweekreturns 1st-9th November 2019 for its 3rd installment, presenting events across LA including IRELANDCON – The Ireland Conference, celebrating creativity and innovation across, Tech, Trade, Culture, Arts and Entertainment. www.irelandweek.com
The Irish Outreach Center was established in 1999, we are a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization that serves the Irish community in San Diego and throughout Southern California. We work with many local entities to insure the Irish are welcomed, supported in the community, and their interests and rich cultural heritage are promoted within the region.
www.irishoutreachcenter.org
McNulty School of Irish Dance has grown into one of the most active schools in Los Angeles. With an impressive performance schedule, rigorous competitive track, and culture camps promoting Irish language, music, sports, arts, and history.
www.irishdancinglosangeles.com
Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre is a world renowned acting school located in the heart of Hollywood, California. Driven by the belief that growth as an actor and growth as a person are the same, our Academy & Theatre provides the tools, training, and discipline to nurture and support actors. www.stellaadler.la
PROGRAM PARTNERS
MART Gallery & Studios provides creative art studios and promotes contemporary art through an engaging curatorial programme to local and international audiences. MART is the largest supplier of independent, affordable space for the arts, cultural and creative community in Dublin city. MART has curated exhibitions, events, festivals and art fairs across Ireland, UK, Europe, USA & Japan.
www.mart.ie
Irish Screen America supports and guides Irish media-makers by showcasing their work and fostering partnerships in the two largest cities for the entertainment industry in the United States – NYC & LA. The organization holds screenings, industry panels, discussions and master classes.
www.irishscreenamerica.com
Dance Ireland aims to enable the development of dance as an art-form, a professional practice and an activity of interest. Dance Ireland supports the development of all forms of dance in Ireland through training, professional opportunities and advocacy.
www.danceireland.ie
Literature Ireland brings the finest of Irish literature in the best possible literary translations to readers around the world. It does this by awarding translation grants to publishers, by hosting literary translators in Ireland, and by representing Irish writers at international events, book fairs and festivals. www.literatureireland.com
The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. Our vision is that Ireland is recognized and valued for its culture of design and craft. www.dccoi.ie
Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) is a resource organization who nurtures, promotes and drives the ambition of Irish theatre makers and Irish theatre. www.irishtheatreinstitute.ie
Screen Ireland aims to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country.
www.screenireland.ie
Poetry International based on the campus of San Diego State University, is one of the oldest and most respected literary journals in the worl specifically dedicated to poetry and poetics from around the globe. www.poetryinternational.sdsu.edu
Managing Team pg 38, red book
_______________________________________________________
Watch for innovation, inclusion, and invention…….
Upcoming Roundtable, Joining the regional conversations:
SMART Talk - Sustainability in the Arts
June 22nd at 12pm
Round Table Discussion
You are invited to a free open Round Table Discussion focusing on sustainability in the Arts; featuring Matthew Nevin, Bernard O'Rourke, Katherine Nolan and Jenny Minniti- Shippey of MART Gallery & Studios Dublin and CIACLA, along with a visiting Irish Environmental Specialist Declan Breen.
The discussion will revolve around the history of MART Gallery & Studios, the development of CIACLA, living and working as an artist
and creative, sustaining an artist career, achieving environmental sustainability in an arts organization and positive actions towards professional development.
Figurative Drawing Workshops
Organizer: Susan Broussard
June 24th, July 29th, August 26th Time: 10am - 1pm
Free Workshops
Join us for our monthly uninstructed figurative workshop with live models – to engage with your pencil, mind and creativity! Our free life drawing workshops provide an opportunity to enhance your drawing skills and a great way to meet the local creative community and visiting artists; to eat, drink and draw at our wonderful new space! All skill levels welcome – from first timers to professionals.
Cost: Free of Charge {Donations are appreciated} RSVP to reserve your place at www.ciacla.com
Materials: Chairs, tables and drawing boards provided; but no drawing horses or easels. Bring your own art supplies and paper. {Drawing only; no paints, please.}
This wide spectrum of initiatives, innovations, practice, and offerings is there for discovery in the midst of our June gloom, great weather, Fringe and festivals and arts funding conversations. Come and explore, join in and put it to the test. Give your $75.00 of support as a tax deductible gift that will keep on giving. The arts are welcome here.
Opening in keeping with the Season in SoCal:
Launching during a Brain Awareness Month, LA Fringe Festival Month, Great Irish Festival in Irvine Weekend, Gay Pride Month….an abundant season for exhibitions, gatherings, and artwork:
https://www.smgov.net/Portals/Culture/About/Santa_Monica_Arts_Foundation/Santa_Monica_Arts_Foundation.aspx
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org
https://www.theirishfair.org
KPCC Coverage and Funding issues:
https://kpcc.ticketleap.com/the-art-of-getting-creative-in-education--a-conversation-about-/
Where do funding and resources for arts education come from? Join arts education reporter @carlamjavier for a conversation this Monday, and tell us what you want to know about when it comes to paying for the arts in schools and arts in communities. #ArtsEd
https://www.scpr.org/news/2019/05/28/89664/state-grant-brings-arts-funding-windfall-to-school/