National–International Arts and Politics in houses and Interiors of the 20th century
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Invitation for professionals involved with the preservation of ‘The 20th Century Architect’s and Designer’s Houses’.
Whether you are a Historic Properties Director, Historic Site Director, Museum Director, Custodian, Heritage Researcher, Property Manager, Programs Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, Art Director, Curator, Resident Director, Chairperson, Board Member, Relative of the architect or original client, current home owner or representative of a significant house… consider to sign up for this conference!
Further to my initatiative to map those professionales who are responsible for 20th Century Architects’ and Designers’ Houses in order to set up a network to explore topical and upcoming issues with, Hetty Berens (boardmember at ICOM – DEMHIST, dedicated to Historical House Museums) enthused the conference committee to boost this initiative at their upcoming annual gathering in BRNO. You might not be an ICOM – DEMHIST member yet, but you are very important to share knowledge with.
Joining the ICOM-DEMHIST Conference is your opportunity to get in on the up-to-the-minute dialogue on professionalizing House Museums and add your own voice. It is an unique international platform where fellow directors, curators and house museum employees can meet and exchange experiences and new ideas, learn from talks and off record moments. It is for glorious old and new, traditional and cutting-edge houses that still have to conquer their place in the world as cultural heritage. Above that, the conference is an outstanding opportunity to get to see significant grand houses, and to hear their stories behind the scenes. In Brno Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat (currently closed to public because of thorough restoration work) is ofcourse part of the programme. Attached are the programme and info on the post conference excursion.
In my presentation New Lives for Avantgarde Architect’s Houses 21 April, I will report of my recent investigations of 20th century Architect’s Houses looking for a new purpose:
• Which houses are new on the scene?
• Why is it important to preserve them?
• How does the Van Schijndel House fit in.
We are offered to organize a pre-conference Round Table Discussion on the evening of 20 April, dealing with: Strategies for Architects’ houses in times of Economic Crisis.
How to survive when sponsors withdraw and authorities cut budgets.
Other topics on the agenda are:
• Ownership: the pros and cons of different kinds of ownership, municipal; state; academic; museum; private; foundation
• Scenario’s for use: the pros and cons of artists in residence; private use in combination with guided tours or academic programme; house museum
• Museological consequenses of being open for the public: housekeeping strategies for buildings that are used so differently from their original purpose
• Communication: how to introduce iPhone apps, virtual reality and augmented reality (http://en.nai.nl/exhibitions/sara) succesfully in order to convey the message of the house
The deadline for applications has been prolongated to 15 April.
Bring your own questions and issues to the conversation and raise points that you find meaningful in this important discussion.
We are looking forward to your response!
Kind regards, on behalf of the conference organizers,
The Moravian Gallery in Brno, ICOM-ICDAD and ICOM-DEMHIST.
Natascha Drabbe
Founding President Mart van Schijndel Foundation
Van Schijndel House
Hetty Berens
Senior Conservator NAi/Sonneveld House
Netherlands Architecture Institute
