The event “On the Nature and Causes of Artists’ Autonomy” aims to discuss the nature(s) and cause(s) of the economic reality of visual artists in the Portuguese context and, thereby, promote reflection on their power of cultural, social, and political action. The autonomy/economy of the visual artist is a structural theme in artistic practice that originated in the 18th century, with the division between art and craft, or between the figures of the artist and the artisan. The new condition of employer autonomy brought new challenges regarding the artist’s mode of operation and survival.

 

Continuing this theme, the 3rd Edition will seek to delve deeper into the following questions:

How is the financial autonomy of the visual artist constructed in the Portuguese context?

How does the contemporary visual artist work?

What relationships can be established between art and economics from the perspective of the visual artist?

How are institutional support relationships established?

How does the art market function?

How to overcome the precariousness of the visual artist?

 

The event takes place on November 11th at EAAD/UMinho – Garagem Avenida, room SD2 and on November 26th at ESAD. CR/University of Leiria.