I was 17 years old when I found out that my mother was Jewish and how our family have been effected by the holocaust. I’ve been living in New York since 1985, where I’m continuing my artistic path that I’ve started in my native Budapest. I regularly exhibit at both cities. I married Robin in 1995. I’ve got to know more about Jewish religion and culture through her. Cross cultural mobility is of great importance to me as an artist. Living in NYC is one of the biggest adventures of my life. I’m enjoying the flavors of the world in New York’s restaurants, I attend international exhibits, dance, music performances and readings. Jewish culture is an important aspect of this modern ‘Babel.’ Art Kibbutz NYC helps talented Jewish artists from around the world. It could provide them a place to live: artists from underprivileged countries can not otherwise afford the cost of New York residency. Art Kibbutz also helps artist find their way within New York’s cultural jungle, connect with people, institutions. I believe that peaceful coexistence with other communities is always a big part of Jewish culture. Unlike anywhere else, Jewish artists could be connected to hundreds of different cultures in New York: they could learn from them and also teach them.
Andras Borocz, Artist, owner of B2 in Budapest and Alma on Dobbin NYC galleries
Andras Borocz, Artist, owner of B2 in Budapest and Alma on Dobbin NYC galleries
The idea of a Jewish artists' colony is one whose time has come--
an opportunity for a sustained community experience among a broad spectrum of individuals with interests both in Jewishness in all its manifestations and in art in all its media. Eszter Margit has the vision and the commitment to make this dream a reality, and thus to nurture a population of creative individuals whose individual efforts and the energy they bring to a sense of community will be a valuable contribution to the continuing trajectory of Jewish involvement with the arts. American in situation, international in population, universal in application, this colony is exactly what is needed in a climate of increasing awareness among artists of the deep relationship between the Jewish tradition (and its discontents) and the creation of visual culture.
Marc Michael Epstein
Professor of Religion, Vassar College
Marc Michael Epstein
Professor of Religion, Vassar College
The International Jewish Artists Colony is long overdue.
To celebrate not only what artists produce but the talent in the artist and the Jewish art in the artist is essential. Too often artists feel marginalized and they feel like the Jewish community is unable to understand them and their work. This unique colony would create a synergy that could energize many and revitalize the Jewish experience in the world. I highly endorse it.
David Y. Chack
Artistic Director, ShPIeL - Performing Identity
A New Performance Incubator and Production Source
President of the Association for Jewish Theatre
David Y. Chack
Artistic Director, ShPIeL - Performing Identity
A New Performance Incubator and Production Source
President of the Association for Jewish Theatre
To give a place and chance with stipend for Jewish writers to work
on their writings for a couple of weeks or months, and besides their own individual work to study Jewish sources in the company of a tutor and each other could mean a lot for the authors. In 2003 I was participating at the Iowa International Writing Program and it was a unique experience for me as for other writers from all over the world. But this new idea to have a writers retreat for Jewish authors in New York gives a new opportunity: they can share their experiences, ideas and have a unique experience in the company of each other.
The phenomenon of modern Jewish literature is well accepted and integrated in the American academic and literary life, since in the US double identity and ethnic heritage in literature are well known and a well accepted phenomenon. But in Europe, especially in East-Central-Europe, it is still a rather debated and sensitive topic, and there is no similar chance than this project would like to offer.
It would be good to have a network of Jewish writers, it would be very good to have chances in the US to meet with translators, agents, publishers, journalists and local audiences. Above all, Jewish writers from all over the world might help each other with their local knowledge to become known in their own languages and countries. I fully support it with all my heart.
Gábor T. Szántó
Writer, poet
Editor-in-chief of Szombat
Hungarian Jewish Magazine
The phenomenon of modern Jewish literature is well accepted and integrated in the American academic and literary life, since in the US double identity and ethnic heritage in literature are well known and a well accepted phenomenon. But in Europe, especially in East-Central-Europe, it is still a rather debated and sensitive topic, and there is no similar chance than this project would like to offer.
It would be good to have a network of Jewish writers, it would be very good to have chances in the US to meet with translators, agents, publishers, journalists and local audiences. Above all, Jewish writers from all over the world might help each other with their local knowledge to become known in their own languages and countries. I fully support it with all my heart.
Gábor T. Szántó
Writer, poet
Editor-in-chief of Szombat
Hungarian Jewish Magazine
This is a very much needed project and there is momentum for it now:
In New York’s tolerant atmosphere, an increasing number of Jewish artists are coming out of their shells and are excited to discover their heritage, learn and connect to their roots.
This organization would serve so many people – beyond the resident artists, who would benefit from this communal, laboratory experience in so many ways. Through the artist colony more artists – even famous - would be inspired to create “Jewish art” and learn more about their heritage. The quality of “Jewish art” would greatly improve. It could make Jewish art more vibrant, inspiring and relevant to the Jewish audience. It could make people more excited about their heritage and wanting to connect in new ways all over the world as well as in the US.
Dr. Jonathan Schorsch
Associate Professor, Religion Department, Columbia University
Read testimonials from our first residency program at Eden Village...
This organization would serve so many people – beyond the resident artists, who would benefit from this communal, laboratory experience in so many ways. Through the artist colony more artists – even famous - would be inspired to create “Jewish art” and learn more about their heritage. The quality of “Jewish art” would greatly improve. It could make Jewish art more vibrant, inspiring and relevant to the Jewish audience. It could make people more excited about their heritage and wanting to connect in new ways all over the world as well as in the US.
Dr. Jonathan Schorsch
Associate Professor, Religion Department, Columbia University
Read testimonials from our first residency program at Eden Village...