Bob Lee

Director

Asian American Arts Centre

Dear Bob,

I am distressed to hear the news of possible funding cut for ArtSlams, for which I served as a commentator last year.

As an independent art historian/curator who works closely with young artists, I understand their urgent need for feedbacks from other artists a well as art professionals working in the museums/art historical environments. At school, they enjoy hours of studio critique, but once out of school, it is not easy to find a sustained environment of encouragement and honest opinions.

Your center's ArtSlams program provides emerging and young artists a competitive yet productive occasion for presenting their works and receiving feedbacks.

For us, it is also a great opportunity to meet with emerging artists in our community who are perennially underrepresented.

I know other nonprofit organizations often offer artists' residency programs, which may include critique by visiting professionals. However, your program is similar but more flexible in the format (using slides) and more open (with other artists and the interested public also invited), creating a unique atmosphere. As a commentator, I had a very positive time.

I will strongly urge the NY State Arts Council to reconsider its position.

Reiko Tomii

Independent art historian/curator

Co-founder of listserv PoNJA-GenKon (Post-1945 Japanese Art Discussion Group)

Contributing editor to Art Asia Pacific