8 October — 17 October 2010

Artists and curators from the East Region were invited to take part in a research trip to the Region of Murcia, Spain, for the opening of Manifesta 8.

Manifesta, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art, is a roving, contemporary art event, showcasing the most innovative work by artists and curators from Europe and beyond. For Manifesta 8, rather than focusing on the European East-West divide, Murcia and Cartagena were selected as hosts for its dialogue with northern Africa. The south of Spain includes a blend of Islamic, Judaic and Christian cultural influences and both cities display intertwining cultures and a diverse cultural heritage.

Successful applicants attended the preview and opening of the Biennial over three days. Accommodation, flights and a modest daily per diem was provided. The eight artists/curators selected from applications to attend the opening were: Saim Demircan, Robert Filby, Mat Do, Julia Devonshire, Jacques Rogers, Simon Liddiment, Judith Waring and Elizabeth Fisher.

Artists and curators who provided talks/met for discussion: Teresa Gleadowe (independent curator, Organiser Falmouth Convention), Alexandre Singh (artist), Nav Haq (curator), WooLoo - Sixten Kai Nielsen and Martin Rosengaard (artists’ network), Celine Condorelli (artist), Chamber of Public Secrets (curatorial organisation), Kajsa Dahlberg (artist), Karl Holmqvist (artist), Melanie Gilligan (artist), David Rych (artist), Stefanos Tsivopoulos (artist) and many more.

Itinerary
Murcia 8-11 October
Cartagena 8-14 October

Day 1, 8 Oct
Arrive in Murcia
Walk around Murcia for context, Old Town - Platería and Trapería Streets, Gothic Cathedral, Baroque Town Hall

Day 2, 9 Oct
Visit to Projecto de Arte Contemporaneo – Domino Canibal
Manifesta Opening Event

Day 3, 10 Oct
Manifesta
Los Molinos del Rio Segura Hydraulic Museum and Sala Caballerizas
Pavilions 1 & 2, Artillery Barracks
Mubam - Fine Arts Museum Of Murcia
Espacio Av

Day 4,11 Oct
Manifesta
Centro Párraga
Antigua Oficina De Correos Y Telégrafos
Cendeac (parallel events)
Train to Cartagena

Day 5, 12 Oct
Manifesta
Auditorium, Parque Torres
El Parque Cafe-Restaurant
Muram - Regional Museum of Modern Art
Meet Manifesta organiser Yesomi Umolu

Day 6, 13 Oct
Manifesta
Arqua - National Museum Of Underwater Archaeology
Former Autopsy Pavilion
San Antón Prison

Day 7, 14 Oct
Split into groups for various sights in Cartagena: submarine, Roman Theatre, archaeological sights etc
Return to London