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Alenka Yankovic, Antenna partner 3 years ago, tells us how she has managed to disseminate contemporary Chilean art in the United States through Vitrina Lab, an innovative non-profit foundation established in Miami. And it highlights the importance for artists to leave the small Chilean art market and to be able to make their work visible in other countries.
It values the Antenna Foundation's role in connecting people to art and generating interest in a wider audience. And he believes that it is important to convince more companies and organizations in the private sector to support art.
Personally, he explains to us what impact art has had on his life. “Contemporary art challenges me, makes me think and develop my senses. My ingenuity stimulates me and it has led me to learn about other cultures and ways of thinking.”
1. How long have you been with Antenna and how did you get there?
I have been a member of Antenna for more than 3 years. I arrived by chance because I have been living in Miami for 8 years and while I was here I wanted to do something for contemporary Chilean art and during my research period I met Elisa Ibanez through a mutual friend. She was very generous and told me about her experience, about what she was doing, and I wanted to support even though I was living abroad.
2. What motivated you to be part of Fundación Antenna and what has your experience been like?
I was motivated by the fact that I was able to contribute with a grain of sand to a work that I find so remarkable, educating the public and supporting artists. Disseminating art, showing it is the only way to sow interest. Something that is not known is not wanted.
I have participated more online in Antenna for obvious reasons (she lives in the US), but I keep up to date with everything that is happening in Chile with Antenna's newsletters. That's how I know about the exhibitions, the artists and the galleries.
3. In your experience, is it important for companies and organizations to support art?
Of course it's important. Art, as Alfredo Jaar says, creates models of thinking about the world, it does us all good. It gives us joy and makes us think. Since art is not directly profitable and is not technically essential, undeveloped countries cannot allocate much public budget to it, so it is essential that private companies and organizations do so.
4. Tell us about Vitrina Lab and the importance of making Chilean artists visible abroad.
Vitrina Lab is a non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating contemporary Chilean art in the United States, mainly in Miami where we are located. We seek opportunities to introduce artists to collectors, gallery owners, curators and the general public. Since Chile is a small country, it is very difficult for artists to make a living from art. The market is very small but the quality of the art is very good. It is necessary for them to know them outside and to access a larger audience.
5. Tell us 3 lessons that art has left you.
Contemporary art challenges me, makes me think and feel good developing my senses. I am stimulated by ingenuity and has led me to learn about other cultures and ways of thinking. And most importantly, it makes me smile most of the time.
