INTRODUCING... THE GATE FOUNDATION

The cultural pages of this newsletter are edited by the Gate Foundation.
The Gate Foundation, which was established in 1988 in Amsterdam, aims to
stimulate the communication between western and non-western art.
Until recently the existence of contemporary Asian art was ignored by the
western art world. Only since 'Magiciens de la Terre', an exhibition in
Paris (1989) which showed the work of a hundred artists from all over the
world, has there been a growing interest in non-western contemporary art. 
The origin of this interest is complex, but the growing awareness of the
multicultural character of the western society is an important factor.
Another momentous event is the breaking down of western aesthetic standards
(the modernist idea of progress, originality, and uniqueness). The
so-called postmodern era, in which we now live, allows more space for
artists who were ignored during the modernist era (female artists, black
artists, and artists from the Third World).

By Renske de Jong

Since it was set up, the Gate Foundation has done its utmost to achieve a
critical approach to the phenomenon of inter-culturalism. The Gate
Foundation concerns itself especially with the artistic relationship
between Europe and Asia. Through exhibitions, lectures, and publications,
the Gate Foundation aims to broaden knowledge and to draw the attention of
a wider audience to the diversity of contemporary Asian art.
To accomplish its aim, the Gate Foundation has a Project Bureau and an
Information Centre.


THE GATE PROJECT BUREAU
The Gate Foundation initiates, stimulates, and organizes projects which
express its aims, including exhibitions, festivals, congresses, lectures,
and discussions. In the past, the Gate Foundations has organized the
following activities:


EMOTION JAPAN, THE UNCONSCIOUS AND CONSCIOUS FACTOR (1991) 
This project consisted of two exhibitions of works of artists who were
inspired by Japan and a series of lectures arranged in co-operation with
the University of Amsterdam.

THE CLIMATE (1991) 
Thirty exhibitions in various places throughout the Netherlands showing the
works of seventy foreign artists living in the Netherlands.
Indonesian Modern Art Exhibition (1993)
This exhibition was shown in Jakarta and Amsterdam. Twenty-one modern and
contemporary artists from Indonesia participated in this exhibition.

VIETNAM FESTIVAL (1993)
Vietnamese contemporary art was shown in Amsterdam and Vlissingen, and ten
Vietnamese films were shown at various cinemas in the Netherlands.

VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS OF NON-WESTERN CONTEMPORARY ART IN THE ROYAL INSTITUTE
OF THE TROPICS IN AMSTERDAM. (1992-1994)
In the near future, the Gate Project Bureau is planning several projects,
such as a seminar on development aid and art, a project on Surinam artists,
lectures on non-western art, Weather Report (a travelling exhibition
through Asia and the Netherlands), and the symposium "Changing Opinions in
Contemporary Art".


THE GATE INFORMATION CENTRE
The Gate Foundation believes that the striking lack of Asian art in
contemporary art exhibitions in Europe is a result of a lack of
information. To fill this gap, the Gate Foundation has accumulated archives
on Asian artists, plus a specialized library so that the public may be
better informed. The Gate Information Centre also provides advice on
research items, on the organization and co-ordination of projects, as well
as on the selection of artists and works of art.
It is possible to become a member of the Gate information Centre. For more
information about the Gate Information Centre, please contact:

Machteld Willemse
The Gate Foundation
P.O. Box 814
1000 AV Amsterdam
Tel: +31-20-620 8057
Fax: +31-20-639 0762