Today we’d like to introduce you to Juri Koll.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started as an artist around age 15 and began showing my work shortly after. I sought out well-known and established artists to study and work with. I felt it was the only way out of the place where I was brought up.
I kept making art, and later showing art, as part of developing and participating in the art community.
Over the years that led to ViCA, the Venice Institute of Contemporary Art, which has been in operation since 2011.
The Venice Institute of Contemporary Art (ViCA) is an arts organization devoted to identifying, protecting and sustaining the history and culture of one of the most important centers of American independent artistic expression. Through its exhibitions, events, research facilities, and education curriculum, targeted to adult and family audiences, ViCA will celebrate the world of art internationally, and most importantly the art and culture of Venice Beach/Southern California. it’s a community effort to present the art world through the lens of Venice and the greater Los Angeles area.
ViCA raises funds to find and provide a permanent home for its facilities, including a museum, theater, library, research and preservation facility, and archival storage. It will use the facility to provide ongoing exhibits, educational programs, and events.
ViCA was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by Mayor Eric Garcetti of the City of Los Angeles for our “representation of the unique diversity of Los Angeles” as part of the Annual Fine Arts Film Festival held on September 12, 2015 at the historic Beyond Baroque Literary Art Center.
ViCA is worked with our City Councilman’s office and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of LA, to establish a long term and/or temporary space for exhibition for ViCA.
The Venice Neighborhood Council supports and unanimously recognized the Venice Institute of Contemporary Art on June 17, 2014.
We are working with Artist and Real Estate broker Sandy Bleifer and PLACE – a non-profit development company that specializes in artist-centered projects since 1989 – to have ViCA be part of the project for Venice.
Sponsorship via the Sam Francis Foundation and other organizations and businesses.
Community members including artists, art related business and organizations, business owners, political officials and others. Complete list ongoing and available.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road. Financial difficulties, long, sometimes thankless hours, and naysayers are all part of it. But you have to push forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: veniceica.org
- Phone: 310-957-7037
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @veniceica
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeniceICA
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
