“In 2011, Curaçao Art received a start-up grant from the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Caribbean Region. The presentation ceremony was held in Fort Amsterdam. The photo captures the moment when Josée Thissen-Rojer accepts the awarded grant. Shown in the photo, from left to right: Prins Bernhard Culture Fund chairman Mr. Winthrop Curiel, Curaçao Art curator Josée Thissen-Rojer and His Excellency Governor Frits Goedgedrag.”
A website about the Curaçao visual arts scene.
by Judice Ledeboer.
What art can you find in Curaçao? Who are the Curaçao artists? Which exhibitions are taking place? It can all be found on the website www.curacao-art.com. This website is meant for art lovers and anyone who wants to know more about art in Curaçao.
In 2011, art historian Josée Thissen-Rojer set up the foundation Curaçao Art to promote the visual art on the island. The foundation’s goal is to bring people into contact with the artists, their art and everything that has to do with visual arts in Curaçao. “We have excellent visual artists and we’re very proud of that. Nowadays we also have great galleries where the artists can exhibit their work. All year long, people can visit the galleries and exhibitions.”
The art historian came up with the idea while visiting the Open Atelier Route in 2011. She enjoyed following the route, but once the Open Atelier Route was over she was thinking: “And now what? How can people find out more about the visual artists on the island and the galleries and visual arts in general? Where should they look? You can find it all on this website.” She was able to start the website thanks to substantial funding by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and now she’s keeping track of the developments in the arts as much as possible. She also writes reviews of exhibitions and interviews the artists who are featured on her website.
“There are many visual artists in Curaçao, but they’re not always easy to find. Some have their own website, but others don’t and they’re difficult to find in other ways. This website lists all of the artists and you can read who they are, what kind of art they make, and what they stand for.”
The visual artists featured on the website are among the island’s major artists. The artists were invited to be named on the website. A committee whose members remain anonymous decides who will be mentioned on the website. The artists must have attended an art academy and have shown at least some of their art to the world. “The title of artist isn’t protected, so anyone can call themselves an artist. That’s why we make a selection,” says Thissen-Rojer. The artists are all artists who have exhibited locally and internationally. Every artist has her or his own page with a link to their own website. Each artist’s page features photos of the artist and their art. The website enables visitors to personally get in touch with the artist.
Thissen would like to show more artists on the website and she’s working to make that happen. To do so, she needs funding. The foundation is entirely dependent on funding. Thissen also gives guided tours on behalf of the foundation. During such a tour, galleries are visited that are hosting an exhibition. Thissen herself acts as the guide for these tours, providing information about the artists and their art. For more information please contact us: info@curacao-art.com / + 5999 6905185
Board Members
Valentina Engelhardt (President)
Frank Groenewegen (Treasurer)
Rudolf Beaujon
(Secretary)
Patrick Thissen
(Board member)
Photographers
Richmond Gijsbertha (2013)
Manon Hoefman
Hugo de Klerk (2012)
Zena Rigaud
…
Writers
Manon Hoefman
Elizabeth Francisco
Susi Kleinmoedig
Nelly Rosa
Victorine Stille
Josée Thissen-Rojer
Curator
Josée Thissen-Rojer
Supporters
Our Sponsors
The foundation is entirely dependent on funding and here we proudly mention our Sponsors.
