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Holland America's new art program with ArtLink ties in to regions visited

(Photos courtesy Holland America Line)
From top left, clockwise, works by Oleg Oprisco, Lisando Suriel, Nicolaj Lund and Kevin Best
Shifting away from the standard art auction program, Holland America Line is working with ArtLink to give cruisers the opportunity to participate in a number of interactive art events, delve into the arts and crafts of regions visited and to purchase art.

The program will be centered in an on-board gallery space exhibiting works by emerging artists curated from the destinations visited by the ships.

During a launch period the galleries will feature a select group of emerging international artists. The general collection will gradually be replaced by changing exhibitions curated to reflect the regions visited. An ever-changing selection of photographs, sculptures, crafts, paintings and drawings will ensure the collections remain fresh and relevant.

The works showcased in ArtLink galleries will be offered exclusively to HAL passengers.

'Through our work with ArtLink on our newbuilds, we connected with a mutual passion to create an innovative art experience that was more integrated with the places we visit,' HAL president Orlando Ashford said. 'The right piece of art can be not only an incredible souvenir for our guests but also a prominent way for them to connect emotionally with their travels.'

Artist-in-residence program

An ArtLink art concierge and art specialists will be on hand to provide information and background on the works and the artists and to handle sales. Cruisers will be invited to view the pieces at cocktail parties, attend special talks, meet visiting artists and simply peruse the galleries independently.

Future plans with the ArtLink partnership include an on-board residency program where passengers will have the opportunity to attend demonstrations and hands-on workshops with the visiting artists and curators. In addition, HAL plans to develop art-themed EXC Tours (shore excursions) that visit emerging artists in their workshops and galleries ashore.

Changing the way people experience art

'ArtLink began by partnering with Sotheby’s to change the way people consume art and offer emerging artists opportunities to become successful,' founder and CEO Tal Danai said. 'Later, we expanded into the hospitality industry with emerging artists from 44 countries. After working extensively in the emerging artist marketplace, this unique partnership with Holland America Line enables us to embark on our next big dream—to enrich the way people around the world experience art.'

Some of the first international artists whose works will be displayed on board are surrealist photographer Oleg Oprisco from Ukraine and Copenhagen-based photographer Nikolaj Lund, whose work focuses on musicians interacting with their instruments.

US artist Kate Blacklock works in 3-D art printing, photography and painting, while photographer Kevin Best, a New Zealand native, reinterprets still life paintings from the Dutch Golden Age by creating images in 21st-century technology. Lisando Suriel, a West Indian artist based in Amsterdam, explores the boundaries between fashion, photography, theater and illustration.