Expanding Internationalism - A Conference on ... - Mary Jane Jacob

other hand, such exhibitions are their major contact with international
art and, therefore, their suspension or longer intervals between would
increase their isolation.
Such Third World biennials were born as a sign of modernity and they
are an answer to the need to keep abreast of world artistic production.
They also allow for an internal look at one's own art. They are a
showcase for the national production, as they constitute a special moment
of international exposure.
These biennials require an enormous community
effort and involvement.
However, it is necessary to further develop
efficient organization for such events so that they may respond to the
present needs of the local artistic community and the public in keeping
with international dynamics and perspectives. The aspect of frequency (is
a biennial event adequate) should be put on the agenda for future
discussions.
The irrpact of a biennial has several positive aspects.
It enriches
the debate, either through influences or dialogues among artists. The
general public has access to the art of other countries. Even the
artistic community of neighboring countries profit from these
exhibitions. Therefore, the host countries should increasingly take this
latter, regional aspect into consideration. There is also a need for the
development of other types of thematic exhibitions, clearly determining
first their objectives. Biennials should not become bigger and bigger, as
they will never cover all the issues, but other formats of exhibitions
should be developed to address these subjects and current concerns.
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