COLLECTING
ESCALA actively collects in order to make modern and contemporary art from Latin America physically accessible to audiences locally, nationally and internationally. Selected artworks from the Collection are on permanent display at the University’s Colchester Campus and on temporary display at other venues. You can see all our works that are currently on show, in the Works on Display section of the website. Our collection of artworks is complemented by a growing collection of library and archival items. Access to the library and archive is by appointment only. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact us
RESEARCH
ESCALA prioritises research into the artworks and artists in its collection and into new acquisitions. As a focus for interdisciplinary research, the Collection also develops collaborative projects with academics at the University, especially Latin American art specialists in the School of Philosophy and Art History and affiliates of the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Research Projects
ESCALA’s collection of artworks was originally digitised in 2004 with a major Resource Enhancement Grant from the then Arts and Humanities Research Board (now Council). The Collection has since been partner to a number of academic projects at the University of Essex and at other institutions, resulting in associated exhibitions, acquisitions and publications. Full list of research projects.
EVENTS
As a public university museum, ESCALA organises or collaborates on a range of interdisciplinary events related to art from Latin America including exhibitions, performances, conferences, films, talks, tours and workshops. These events take place at venues at the University’s Colchester Campus, including Art Exchange and the Lakeside Theatre (Arts on 5) and at partner venues, including firstsite and Tate.
PUBLICATIONS
ESCALA publishes research on art and artists from Latin America through its website; in exhibition catalogues and in ESCALA Research Papers. Related material published by academic staff and researchers is available in the University’s Albert Sloman Library which through association with ESCALA and generous donations from the Collection’s supporters holds the ‘de facto’ national collection of books on art from Latin America.
ARTIST-CENTRED ACTIVITIES
ESCALA’s academic context and the University’s strong international profile create a stimulating environment for artists from Latin America. ESCALA works with established and emerging artists on research, residencies, exhibitions and commissions of artworks and limited editions. These artist-centred activities are often developed in collaboration with partner and associate organisations.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
ESCALA contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching across the University of Essex. In addition, the Collection offers educational activities for adults and children through a programme of events as well as resources that are available to download in the Education area of the site. In 2012, the Collection will also begin to offer outreach activities to primary schools in the Colchester area.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
ESCALA is committed to sharing skills and knowledge with individuals and partners across the academic, museum and arts sectors. Each year, the Collection offers Frontrunner placement opportunities to students at the University of Essex; we work with students on research projects and have a rolling programme placing postgraduate students on our planning & curatorial committees. ESCALA also has limited opportunities for volunteering. For more information please contact us.
SERVICES
For information about our services, including image reproductions, enquiries, acquisitions, loans and valuations, please consult our Collections Policies.
