As a part of The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge’s new Artist Exchange Program, local artist Chico Harkrader will visit Opole, Poland this summer. The Arts Council has been working closely with Roanoke County on this project, as Opole is the County’s Sister City.
Harkrader was chosen out of the submissions sent to Opole for consideration by their arts panel. “It was very difficult choice,” wrote Janusz Karpinski, The Head of International Relations Office in Opole.
This program is an extension of artview, the international art exhibition held in Roanoke last November that brought international artists from Roanoke’s Sister Cities to create new installation pieces. The Arts Council now seeks to give more artists in the Roanoke area similar opportunities.
Harkrader will spend two weeks in Opole working with both artists and arts organizations/institutions in this cultural exchange. Upon his return, he will share his experiences and created works through lectures to the public and to local schools.
“The Artist Exchange Program is part of The Arts Council’s mission to support local artists,” states Arts Council Executive Director, Rhonda Morgan. This opportunity provides exposure and great networking opportunities for artists, and also promotes Roanoke on a more global scale.
Working with the Roanoke Valley Sister Cities Organization, Harkrader’s visit to Opole marks the first artist exchange to occur through this program and will serve as a model for future exchanges with other cities.
For more information visit: www.theartscouncil.org
