Samara Collage Workshop

Samara, Russia

HISTORY

In the autumn of 2015, collage artist Irina Sevostyanova “wanted to attract more people to create collages, so she began to invite interested people to paste collages together, shared her experience.” She launched the Samara Collage Workshop as a way to promote collage in Russia and in her southwestern city in particular. “We want to draw attention to the collage technique as a serious art form.”

Workshop members join in online marathons, hold exhibitions, and take workshops to improve their skills. “This was the first initiative that specialized in collage in Russia, with an educational program and an emphasis on practical exercises,” writes Sevostyanova. “In addition to in-depth immersion in varieties of collage practices, the community is focused on exhibition activities. Members organize reporting exhibitions and participate in Russian and international exhibition projects. The first two years, the Collage Workshop was based at the Samara Regional Youth Library. At first, meetings were held regularly twice a week and were free for all participants. The educational program was designed for one year. Since 2018, collage artists meetings have been held at different venues: in coworking, in galleries, cafes, etc. Now these are short courses or individual workshops with a registration fee, or free.”

In 2019, the group produced a day of workshops and an exhibition to celebrate World Collage Day. Later that summer, they produced an exhibition as part of the first in Russia festival of collage, Cut and Glue Fest. Sevostyanova writes, “Local artists can participate in events, workshops, exhibitions. We are open to collaborations with artists from other cities and countries. If you have a project idea, please contact us by email or through Instagram.”

MISSION

The mission of the Samara Collage Workshop is to popularize collage in Russia, namely in Samara. The goal is to bring together people who love and make collages. It is important to captivate newcomers and upgrade skills experienced. It is also important for them to show their work at exhibitions. Thus, they want to draw attention to the collage technique as a serious art form.

JOIN

Local artists can participate in events, workshops, exhibitions. They are open to collaborations with artists from other cities and countries. If you have a project idea, please contact them by email or through social media.

KEY ACTIVITIES

Members held regular meetings before COVID-19 but have been participating in online marathons and exhibitions since the start of the pandemic. They plan to celebrate World Collage Day.

CONTACT

WEBSITE | EMAIL | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK