10 mins Q&A

你們是替代空間?還是藝術家空間?
好吧,我們知道你無法從中得到更多訊息,今天替代空間只剩下歷史性的意義,而藝術家空間中肯歸中肯,但什麼也沒解釋到。所以別研究了,稱呼只是其次,重要的是我們做了什麼。

Alternative Space? Artist-run Space?
Alright, so today we have reached an understanding that “alternative space” has merely a historical connotation left, whereas “artist-run space” cuts directly to the chase, but still nothing is explained through these terms. We suggest a temporary halt on the investigation of terminology. The significance lies in what we do, what we did and what we will be doing next.

所以你們做了什麼?
簡而言之,我們創作,並且策劃展覽。能力許可的時候,我們也推動一些論壇、紙本出版,以及國際藝術家交流計劃。如果你真的沒有空讀背面的簡介,那你記住這個要點即可:我們的工作就是創造藝術與公眾溝通的新方案,並為這世界增加一些有真正有意思的事物,或試著犯一些錯誤。

So what have you been up to?
In short, we practice art and curate exhibitions. When able, we also organize forums, launch publications and initiate projects for international artistic exchange. If you haven’t the time to read the brief introduction on the back, all you need to remember is this: our job is to generate new dialogues between art and the public and to offer the world something different for a change, or at the very least, we try our best when making mistakes.

為何不專心創作就好?
沒這麼容易。事實上,沒有什麼專心創作這種事,當代藝術與它的群眾遠不只是到美術館走走的單純關係了。無論人們察覺與否,我們生活中的各種方面早已與藝術或輕或重的聯繫在一起,一個真正投入創作的藝術家必然不會迴避他所面對公眾問題,而我們只是希望做的更好。

Why not simply focus on practicing art?
It’s not that simple. In fact, there is no such thing as simply practicing art. Contemporary art and its viewers have broken away from the monotonous relationship of simply paying a visit to the museum. Whether people are aware of it or not, art has undoubtedly permeated into every aspect of our lives. Therefore, a genuine art practitioner would not shy away when met face to face with genuine public issues. We simply want to do it better.

你們如何籌措資金?
失業救濟金。開玩笑的,我們通常以成員腰包與有限的政府補助維持運作,意思就是說我們經常沒有錢可用。

Where does your funding come from?
Unemployment subsidies. That was a joke. We operate with funds which come from our own pockets and occasional help from limited government funding—translation: we are often short of cash. 

成員都是藝術家?
我們確實是以創作者為班底,但如今也有許多不同領域的成員加入,而且越來越多了,我們樂見其成。至於藝術家?有時候我們確實持著長矛,皮盾、還有一匹瘦馬和一隻獵兔狗。

Are all members artists?
We were founded as an artist-based organization, but are delighted to have recruited more and more members from interdisciplinary professions in recent years. As for the artists, you may still catch a glimpse of them from time to time carrying a spear and shield, riding a scrawny horse and followed around by a fox hound.

所以我可以加入你們?
是的你可以。請注意這不是招募廣告,參與什麼首先就是要了解它,我們期待更多人的參與,同時也希望大家能更了解我們,了解正是某種重要的參與形式,這意味著所有你能想像到的方式都是可能的,換句話說,你現在就可以開始關心我們了。

Can I join?
Certainly, you are most welcome to join us. Please note, however, this is not a recruitment ad. Despite our wish to recruit more like-minded friends, we hope that all potential members first try to understand our situation before participating in anything. Acknowledgement of the process is in itself an important form of participation, which means that everything you imagine could be possible. In other words, we would love your attention starting from now.

那麼如何關心你們?
這題相當重要,但絕對比你想像的容易。跟著下面的步驟做:第一,成為我們FB的粉絲;第二,寄信到ocac2010@gmail.com問候我們;第三,騰出空檔來找我們聊天,你可能還會得到一杯現煮咖啡。

How does one follow you?
This is an important question but extremely easy to achieve. Simply follow these steps: (1) like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/opencontemporary; (2) e-mail us at ocac2010@gmail.com; (3) visit us and chat with us whenever you’re free. You may even receive a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

你們接受捐錢嗎?
老天,不要再問了,現在就行動吧

Do you accept donations?
Please don’t ask, just act!