ARTNOW, a visionary art agency in Cyprus, curated by Polina Dobrogaeva and Anastasia Shamshurova, is reshaping the Cypriot art scene with events in unconventional spaces, showcasing local and international artists, and offering personalized services to nurture artists’ careers and build a robust art community. Their diverse cultural heritage informs their practice, creating a unique fusion of tradition and innovation that celebrates creativity and empowers artists in Cyprus.
How is ARTNOW shaping the art community in Cyprus?
ARTNOW, a visionary art agency in Cyprus, is transforming the Cypriot art scene by curating events in unconventional spaces and promoting both local and international artists. Co-founders Polina Dobrogaeva and Anastasia Shamshurova’s diverse cultural heritage informs their practice, offering personalized services that range from exhibition planning to art consultations, thus nurturing artists’ careers and fostering a robust art community.
The Birth of a Visionary Art Agency
In the heart of the ever-evolving Cypriot art scene, ARTNOW emerges as a beacon of innovation, providing a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their work. More than just an agency, ARTNOW embodies a unique fusion of traditional curation with contemporary production and direction. Their curated events are spread across unconventional spaces, turning cozy bakeries and old vinegar warehouses into hubs of imagination, each location transformed to tell its own story through art. These distinct venues become stages where the public can encounter the unexpected, experiencing art that challenges and delights.
At the helm of ARTNOW are art critic Polina Dobrogaeva and art historian Anastasia Shamshurova. They share a vision crafted from their diverse cultural heritages, rooted in the rich mosaic of the former USSR. Polina and Anastasia bring a wealth of experience and a personal touch to their mission: to shine a light on emerging artists and weave a vibrant tapestry within the art community of Cyprus.
A Melting Pot of Cultures and Perspectives
Polina and Anastasia’s journey to Cyprus is a tale of cultural convergence. Both have arrived from Russia, carrying with them a myriad of cultural influences. Anastasia’s heritage is a blend of Ukrainian and Russian, with the birthplace of Kazakhstan adding to her diverse background. Polina’s ancestry is equally varied, with roots spreading across Russia and other ethnicities. This rich cultural interplay is not merely a backdrop but a vital force that informs their curatorial practice and outlook on the global art landscape.
Settled in Cyprus with their families, Polina and Anastasia are driven by their shared commitment to promote young talent. They offer a suite of services tailored to the artist’s journey, from exhibition planning to art consultations. Their dedication extends to nurturing the careers of artists, guiding them through self-presentation, and ensuring they have opportunities for residencies and collaborative projects. Every relationship they cultivate with collectors and art aficionados is built on a foundation of passion and mutual respect.
The Evolving Role of the Curator
The occupation of curating has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once confined to establishing the theoretical underpinnings of art exhibitions, today’s curators are expected to wear multiple hats: producer, publicist, fundraiser, and networker. Polina and Anastasia personify this evolution, embedding themselves in every facet of a project, from its conceptual inception to the meticulous installation of artworks. They believe that a curator’s involvement is critical to the nuance and success of each exhibit.
Their belief in comprehensive engagement ensures that every artist they represent receives personalized attention, and each event is executed with the utmost care. The success of ARTNOW is measured not only by the growth and development of the artists but also by the robustness of the art community they help foster. For many artists, exhibitions signify either a debut into the art world or a significant progression in their professional journey. ARTNOW’s role is to ease this transition, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for all involved.
Paving the Way for Contemporary Art
With eyes set on the horizon, Polina and Anastasia ambitiously plan to broaden their influence within the art community. Their upcoming projects include launching an online gallery to present Cypriot artists and developing an independent art magazine. These initiatives aim to further cement ARTNOW’s role as an integral part of Cyprus’s cultural landscape. Their dedication is evident in their active pursuit of patronage and collaborations that will enable them to bring their vision to fruition.
ARTNOW’s involvement in the RE:SOURCE 2.0 exhibition is a testament to their commitment to fostering creativity and community. By supporting artists at every stage of their careers, they are crafting a future for contemporary art in Cyprus that is as diverse and imaginative as the pathways they create. Through their work, Polina and Anastasia remind us that art is not just about creation, but about the connections we forge, the innovation we encourage, and the relentless exploration of new possibilities.
For more updates on ARTNOW’s activities and events, follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/artnow.agency
How is ARTNOW shaping the art community in Cyprus?
ARTNOW is transforming the Cypriot art scene by curating events in unconventional spaces and promoting both local and international artists. Co-founders Polina Dobrogaeva and Anastasia Shamshurova’s diverse cultural heritage informs their practice, offering personalized services that range from exhibition planning to art consultations, thus nurturing artists’ careers and fostering a robust art community.
Who are the co-founders of ARTNOW and what is their background?
ARTNOW is curated by Polina Dobrogaeva and Anastasia Shamshurova, both with diverse cultural heritages rooted in the former USSR. Polina is an art critic, and Anastasia is an art historian. They bring a wealth of experience and a personal touch to their mission to shine a light on emerging artists and build a vibrant art community in Cyprus.
What services does ARTNOW offer to artists in Cyprus?
ARTNOW offers personalized services to artists in Cyprus, including exhibition planning, art consultations, guidance through self-presentation, opportunities for residencies, and collaborative projects. They are dedicated to nurturing the careers of artists and creating a supportive environment within the art community.
What are ARTNOW’s future plans for empowering creativity in Cyprus?
ARTNOW aims to launch an online gallery to showcase Cypriot artists and develop an independent art magazine. They are actively seeking patronage and collaborations to further establish themselves as an integral part of Cyprus’s cultural landscape. Their commitment to fostering creativity and community is evident in their upcoming projects and initiatives.
