The European Outsider Art Association (EOA) is a pan-European network that brings together the broad field of Outsider Art. The Association was founded in 2009. During the 3 years it has existed it has gained 44 member organisations throughout Europe, including museums, collections, galleries, ateliers, studios, workshops and cultural organisations. The network has grown fast and this year it is eligible for applying to the EU Culture Programme for an operating grant.
In connection with the assembly the new book, On the Map – Exploring European Outsider Art – a Notebook, was launched. The book is the final result of the project Outsider Art Past Forward, funded by EU’s Culture Programme. The project arranged a survey throughout Europe for mapping organisations operating in the margins of visual arts. The notebook gives a short presentation of 60 good practices. More results of the mapping will be seen on the website of the EOA.
Thomas Röske, Director of the Collection Prinzhorn, Germany, was elected as the new President of the association. Arts Manager, Raija Kallioinen, from the Union for Rural Culture, Finland, was re-elected as the Vice President. The general assembly of EOA was held in Ghent, Belgium on April 27th.
Project Ability is a founding member of the association and at the AGM Executive Artistic Director Elisabeth Gibson was elected to the Board.
Project Ability actively supports collaboration with artists and organisations in Europe and further afield and has taken part in many successful trans-Europe programmes and exhibitions. In 2012 we are contributing to the exhibition “The World of Outsider Art” during the Arts Festival of North Norway from the 23 June to the 30 August in Harstaad, Norway and working with the Swedish arts group Inuti on a large scale textile exploring the historical relationship and cultural connections between the two countries.
