The Year of The Artist is the culmination of the Arts Council's Arts 2000 series. Each region of England will contribute to a national programme of arts activity, that will celebrate living artists and all art forms, with the broadest possible definition of visual arts and crafts, performing arts, literature, film, digital and combined arts. This will be supported by conferences, seminars, events, education projects, national promotional projects, training and celebrations of the UK's creativity. A minimum of 1000 residencies will have linked to them the prospect of bursaries, commissions and exhibitions to explore new ideas and the potential to promote creativity by the sharing of skills across the communities, audiences and other artists.
Most artists associate themselves and their work with particular places or people.
Artists derive most creative energy from being given space to create new work, and opportunities for residencies within a specific community, context or location can unleash inspiration and new forms of engagement with an audience. By delivering new partnerships, regions will make a lasting impact in terms of new sectors engaging with the individual artist. Art is a universal, continuous activity with no separation between the past and present. This project is about the past, the present and, especially, the future. The Regional Arts Boards will be responsible for much of the Year of the Artist activity.