ART:21 – ART IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

Columbia College in partnership with Art21, Inc. Access ’09 initiative, presents a sneak preview of the fifth season of Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century, the only prime time national television series focused exclusively on contemporary art, on October 1 and October 29 at Overton Media Center in the Edens Library.  The event features light refreshments, and is free and open to the public.
 
Art21 Access ’09 is an international screening initiative created to increase knowledge of contemporary art, ignite dialogue, and inspire creative thinking through hundreds of public screenings and events that tailor the ideas presented in the series to the interests and concerns of local audiences. The season premieres on PBS October 7 with a new episode each Wednesday during the month at 10pm (check local listings).  Through in-depth profiles and interviews, the four-part series reveals the inspiration, vision and techniques behind the creative works of some of today’s most thought-provoking artists. Art21 Access ’09 events are presented in partnership with Americans for the Arts as part of National Arts and Humanities Month.
 
“Art21 Access ’09 draws the Art:21 television-viewing audience together in communities around the world and provides a wonderfully enhanced experience,” said Susan Sollins, executive producer. “We hope that audiences will take full advantage of the events in their area and develop an understanding of the complex skills, techniques and knowledge that artists bring to their work.  Our goal is that these events contribute to boosting the confidence of audiences worldwide to view and appreciate all art forms.”  
 
Art21 Access ’09 events are being hosted by museums, schools, libraries, art spaces, community centers, and universities worldwide. Columbia College is the exclusive screening event host in the Midlands and Dr. Ute Wachsmann-Linnan, associate professor of art history, will lead the related discussion.
 
The following episode(s) will be screened at Columbia College
on October 1 and October 29:
 
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 12:15 – 1:15 pm
in the Overton Media Center (Edens Library)

Episode 1: Compassion
This episode features artists whose works explore the possibility of understanding and reconciling past and present, while exposing injustice and expressing tolerance for others. William Kentridge, Carrie Mae Weems and Doris Salcedo are featured.

Thursday, October 29, 2009, 12:15-1:15 pm
in the Overton Media Center (Edens Library)

Episode 2: Fantasy
Fantasy presents four artists whose works or personal stories transport viewers to imaginary worlds and altered states of consciousness. With works that seem at times hallucinatory, irreverent, and sublime, each of these artists pursues a vision first held in the mind’s eye. Jeff Koons, Mary Heilmann, Florian Maier-Aichen and Cao Fei are featured.

ABOUT ART21
Over the past ten years, Art21 has established itself as the preeminent chronicler of contemporary art and artists through its Peabody Award-winning biennial television series Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century.  In addition to its PBS series and year-round series-based education and public programs efforts, Art21 has expanded its film production and educational efforts in recent years. Several new initiatives have been launched in the past year, including the premiere of the new short-format documentary series Art21–Exclusive on multiple online platforms and expansion of the Art21 Blog. New programs are also in the works, including a feature film as well as Art21 Educators, an ongoing professional development program for teachers. www.art21.org.