T H E S A N D W I C H B O X
(THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
New Program / May 2009
The Sandwich Box project is an artistic discourse between artists, whereby both analysis and production play a part. Its
foundation rests on the notion of collaboration in that individual artists’ viewpoints, thoughts and interactions with the
objects themselves combine with the relationships that develop because of it, and manifest themselves in various forms.
Its creation and interpretation is therefore driven by artists both interacting with the objects but also building a series of
networked relationships, both nationally and globally. From this, we hope that many relationships and conversations are
explored and developed as the project unfolds. As well, because of the mobile, global nature of the project, it is
constantly evolving and therefore in some ways, quite unfixed and malleable.
In addition to developing these conversations and relationships, one of the primary ideas behind the project is to explore
the notion of being a facilitator in relation to the establishment of new strategies, constructs, structures and platforms in
which to create art.
To that end, the Sandwich Box project wishes to explore the notion of contemporary art in relation to its construction,
communication and eventual presentation to a wider audience. It is aimed at demonstrating and communicating art in a
wide cultural and creative context, using a range of expressions and artforms, such as visual art, music, writing,
performance, etc,. and in those various contexts, exploring a myriad of cultural ideas and discourses such as politics,
cultural constructs, sustainability, the notion of playfulness and fantasy in relation to art, and so on. It therefore becomes
a vital forum for discussing and sharing ideas.
There is also a strong desire for change and development within this context. The Sandwich Box project aims to be a
player and facilitator in relation to the establishment of new strategies, constructs and structures in order to create new
platforms for practitioners to develop work and share ideas via different knowledge areas. It in a sense becomes an
‘analysis apparatus’ – the objects become a vehicle, or trajectory, from which these ideas can be explored and
communicated.
One of the ways in which these ideas will be explored is in the documentation each group of artists produces in relation
to their work with the project. It is our hope that the documentation then serves to illuminate such things as:
Social constructions and ideological factors in terms of their relationship to contemporary art, social processes,
establishment of new forms of cooperation and communication, exploring alternative lifestyles and cultural
communities, creating a collective feeling, networking and developing relationships, knowledge sharing via transparent
structures, and of course, the necessity for fiction and an element of playfulness...
Ultimately, the Sandwich Box project aims to produce and work in an open, multi-voice, free, non-commercial and nonhierarchical
context, and attaches importance to the involvement of a broad range of other discourses and disciplines.
Setting a precedent and clarifying these values in a transparent way, where the main idea is creating a creative
community and sharing knowledge, information and contacts across borders will create an artistic exchange and
collaboration that crosses not only cultures and geographical borders but also different artistic practices. This breeding
ground will by its very nature facilitate the sharing of artistic ideas for both the artists and the audience.
Project Framework
The Sandwich Box is a metal suitcase (31 x 37.5 x 15 cm.) which is packed with tarpaulin, blankets and rope. These
objects are to be used as trajectories for making work around the notions discussed above. At the moment, there are 10
identical sandwich boxes in circulation around the world.
The Sandwich Boxes will circulate to a group of two or more artists at intervals of approximately 6 months. Upon
completion of the work, the documentation should be emailed to info@thesandwichboxsite.org for publication on the
website (www.thesandwichboxsite.org), along with their reflections of their experience with the project. The box and
related materials must then be returned to the curator from where it originated. Documentation can take a variety of
forms, such as text, performance, talks / presentations, artistic dialogues, events and so on.
Reflection
As collaborates in The Sandwich Box you have to formulate an ultra-short CV. You have to formulate a personal
argument for your want to enter into a relation of cooperation in The Sandwich Box. Describe the workspace/area You
find most important in your work. You can describe, what You have worked with , how You have attached the work
with respective context, reader, the relation of cooperation between you, publication etc. Describe which elements of
your work, You want to communicate. Some parts or a complete.
You are naturally welcome freely to formulate about your work.
Application
If you would like to take part in the Sandwich Box project, please send us a CV along with a short statement explaining
your interest in the project, how it relates to your current art practice and a short proposal explaining your ideas in
relation to the project.
Send application to: info@thesandwichboxsite.org
