a day with their group . The rest is left it is up to the Master Artist and the group to decide .
What is so fascinating , though , is that unlike an exhibit of artwork that has been curated to hang or be displayed in a gallery to create thought , discussion , or a narrative , we have the human factor in our selection . Humans are an incredible variable ; as an organization , we witness the chaos theory in effect . Chaos theory deals with nonlinear things that are impossible to predict the outcome of , and mirroring this , no two residencies at ACA are alike . I have witnessed one residency where all the artists from different disciplines came together , collaborated , and to this day are still communicating with each other . I have also witnessed the complete opposite , where the artists of a specifi c discipline remained more isolated and focused on individual work throughout the entire residency , only making a few connections . Both can yield exceptional results in their own ways , and one outcome isn ’ t necessarily more successful than the other .
It ’ s interesting to continually witness a group of strangers meeting for the fi rst time , with the only commonality being their fi eld of study , and by the end of the third week , see the unique bond that has formed . To hear how each residency has been a life-changing experience or has impacted their art process in a positive way from so many grateful Associates and Master Artists is , to say the least , encouraging . The public can witness this process fi rsthand , several times during each residency . These outreaches include Master Artist talks at various venues in the Central Florida area . Also , on the last Thursday of each residency , ACA has a program that is free and open to the public called “ INsideOUT .” This program is like an open house , giving the public the opportunity to see , hear , and talk to the Associates and Master Artists . These events enrich both the public community and the residents , as they discuss their work and process .
Atlantic Center for the Arts ’ Residency Program has been the catalyst for ongoing dialogues and collaborations that are still being developed long after the residencies have ended , impacting the arts and culture for future generations . With a top reputation in the international art world , and stemming from two processes at work , ACA has a successful program and formula with the ideal and intended end result : art .
ACA studio complex , photo by Chuck Choi
You can see more at : AtlanticCenterForTheArts . org
photo by Ivan Riascos
Orlando Arts & Culture , v . 2.2
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