Project Lead: Romanian Association of Contemporary Art (ARAC)
Time Period: 15.05.2025 – 30.09.2025
Locations: Bucharest, Săcel (Maramures, Romania)
Rezidența Artistică Săcel, ediția a II-a aims to rediscover the rural landscape, an artistic field that has always been a constant source of inspiration throughout the history of art. The project seeks to create connections through dialogue between several interdisciplinary domains, such as: culture and its spaces in rural areas, vernacular architecture, agriculture, and ecology.
Our initiative includes organizing a solo exhibition by the artist Delia Popa, who addresses themes of changes in the rural landscape, the impact of urbanization on the environment, and the connections between tradition and modernity. The exhibition was curated by Julie Crenn, an expert in the relationship between art and ecology. Within the exhibition, we will hold discussions and dialogues, open to the general public, moderated by the curator, on various topics connected to agriculture and the circular economy.
During July 2025, the project featured an artistic residency dedicated to the mobility of visual artists from both Romania and abroad, focusing on the promotion of artistic practices in photography, painting, textiles, ceramics, and sculpture. The residency took place in Săcel, Maramureș, a region well known for its traditions and crafts. The project encourages the exchange of ideas and artistic practices across different cultural sectors and explores social and artistic interactions.
The project offers the opportunity to facilitate interactions among visual artists, creating a platform for regional networking. This year’s artistic residency in Maramureș had a focus on fields such as photography, ceramics, painting, and sculpture. Its main goal is to foster sustainable cultural exchanges between diverse communities, exploring the interaction between the traditions and crafts of Săcel commune and contemporary art.
Main Events:
- Loc de Acțiune – Crețești, solo show Delia Popa, curated by Julie Crenn, exhibition in Bucharest at Anca Poterașu Gallery;
- Artistic Residency in Săcel Maramureș;
- Exhibition with the artworks made during the Residency – at Școala Gimnazială Repedea, Săcel, Maramureș.
more details about the exhibition: https://www.ancapoterasu.com/expozitii/loc-de-actiune-cretesti-2/
Between July 7–21, in the village of Săcel, Maramureș, the Romanian Association for Contemporary Art (ARAC) is organizing an artistic residency on the theme of rural life, sustainability, and ecology, coordinated by Anca Poterașu, Artistic Director. The residency has brought together both national and international artists, focused on photography and ceramic art, with an interest in researching the transformations of rural life within the idyllic landscape of the Maramureș region. The artists are also guided by curator Julie Crenn, and the artistic project will culminate in an exhibition of the works created during the Residency, hosted in the former school of Repedea. The opening took place on August 15, coinciding with the celebration of Maramureș Day.
The cultural project is co-funded by the Ministry of Culture.
Partners: French Institute Bucharest and Goethe-Institut.