Get an art policy, strengthen the visual arts in the education programs, protect the operation of the art institutions. Here are some of the recommendations to politicians from visual artist Søren Martinsen in the lead-up to the 2019 parliamentary elections:
Soren Martinsen. Photo: Magnus Cederlund.
"I look back at Julius Bomholt, the country's first minister of culture, and the visionary, clear and democratic way he saw art. With the terrible experiences of World War II and Nazism, art and culture were seen as a bulwark of democracy against totalitarianism and fascism. And therefore prioritized it and created a firm basis for it, i.a. with the establishment of the Statens Kunstfond in 2.
For many years, and especially during the time of the current government, I resent how the name of the various ministries is being dragged through the mud by the fact that, instead of promoting their purpose, they oppose it. The ministry will stand for the exact opposite of its name. Just take: the Ministry of Integration, the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of the Environment, and - the Ministry of Culture. I have the following recommendations for politicians:
Take art seriously. Get an art policy!
To that extent, art has an existential and identity-creating function in a complex society. Virtually all of our societal problems are addressed by skilled artists. New ideas are created, identity and integration are strengthened and the consciousness of the individual and the collective grows through art.
And in addition to the fact that art has a value in itself, even in its most ambitious, narrow and complex form, art is also good business from a socio-economic point of view.
Talent development through education
If we are to be able to enjoy art at a high level, which helps to give everyone an identity and enrich our country, the talents must be nurtured. This means that the academy courses in visual arts must rise to an even higher level, just as the growth layer must be strengthened - in the form of professionally qualified and increased teaching in primary schools, talent schools and art schools across the country.
There is no reason to be afraid of too many artists coming - the more the better, it creates a strong environment, a creative culture and healthy competition.
Don't confuse art and culture
It is important that art has the necessary space for its specific development without being mixed up with more general culture from hobby art and sports to Nordic walking and communal eating. Eg. in connection with the current discussion about healing art in hospitals, it is important that the art is sharp and at a high professional level, and not confused with pleasant idyll and coziness.
Fingers off the running of art institutions
Politicians love to make everything new - the existing is "boring" and not sexy to run an election campaign on.
But a big problem in the arts is that you waste so much energy fighting for operating support for good things that already exist – from artist-run exhibition spaces to museums.”
Søren Martinsen (b. 1966)
Trained visual artist from the Kgl. Danish Academy of Arts and Goldsmiths College, University of London. Søren Martinsen is represented in several art museums at home and abroad. His latest solo exhibition THE GIANTS could be experienced at Sorø Art Museum (2018). Until 7 April 2019, he is currently on Grønningen's exhibition at Kunstforeningen Gl. Beach. Søren Martinsen has been the manager of Overgaden – Department of Contemporary Art and since 2016 has been a member of the Association of Visual Artists Board of Directors.
Top Søren Martinsen: The flood, 2018, oil on linen, 200×320 cm. (section of painting). See works and info at www.sorenmartinsen.com