Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Some Questions and Answers

Check the comments below:

This post is particularly for applicants. 
Q: 
When is the due date for our applications?  
A: 
We suggest that you apply now.  However, the tentative due date is May 15th 2013.  Note: That “due date” will change if all positions are filled before that date. Continue reading for explanation. 
Q:  
What is the selection process? This is my Q to give you some insight into their selection process and give you some advice. 
A:  The 2013 selection process is different.  Essentially, the first 10 countries that apply are allocated two spots.  Those first two spots for each country are selected on a first come/first qualified basis. Should artists from fewer than 10 countries apply the remaining openings will be allocated based on two factors: Country and Quality.
They did this to benefit the accepted applicants allowing them to purchase their air earlier and possibly save some money. 
If your country's 'quota' is filled, you still have an excellent chance to be accepted.  We have never had applicants from 10 countries apply.
The national government provides funds for international participants.  From Gangjin's perspective, the more countries represented the better.  I also believe that if you were not selected one year you should apply the next year because I believe your chances will increase.  This last is not official but just my observations.  I will keep your registration and contact you as soon as I know if they want me to help again. 
Please also let me know if for any reason you can't apply this year. but have registered.  I have no budget for advertising so with the fewer applicants the possibility of an applicants being selected for these unique experiences is much higher. Even late applicants have have an excellent chance for acceptance - much better than the lottery and for some participants nearly as valuable.  Many participants who have traveled with us before have been invited to exhibit in several exhibits in Korea, four participants have studied with Korean ceramic artists and some are invited back each year as their country's representative in another prestigious international ceramic festival.  Those opportunities open during the International Ceramic Artist's tour that follows the Gangjin Experience.  You never know what doors will open during your travels with us.   
What happens if you are not accepted this year?  Not being selected doesn't necessarily mean they don't like your work.  This year it also depends on timing so get your applications to me ASAP.  Remember that quality of work comes first,  then country of origin.  They will postpone acceptance even from the first applicant if they are looking for something different.  If you are not accepted this year, I highly recommend that you apply for next year.  Don't think of it as a rejection but as a "not yet".  So try again. 
Q: 
What happens if I am selected?   
A:  
I'll answer this after Gangjin completes the selection process.  Sorry.  I won't have all the details until then and also want to give this answer only to selected participants. 
Q: 
If accepted, may I bring my husband, wife or significant partner?   
A: 
This will depend on how many sign up for the tour.  We cap the tour size so that we can visit the studios of various artists.  There may be room for a few adult family guests in any case so if you are interested in this possibility let me know as soon as possible.  Acceptance for a 'spouse' will occur on a first come basis with preference to husbands, wives, live with partners and possibly other adult family members, not your potter friend who didn't apply or received a "not yet".  Gangjin will also pay for the room and meals for your guest during their stay in Gangjin.  So it is a good deal for them.  This acceptance is based on the tour because we do need a certain number of participants for the tour to happen.  Remember it is on the tour that other possibilities open such as additional exhibit possibilities and opportunities to study with artists in Korea.   
Q: 
Can we extend the Korean Ceramic tour to Japan or China? 
A: 
That depends totally on interest and if we can form a group.  If you are interested in going to Japan or China after the Korean tour please let me know after you are accepted.  If I have at least 10 potential participants, I will form a group and develop a tour to either country.  
Q:
Why is there a tour of Korea after the Gangjin Experience? 
A: 
The Gangjin Experience exists because of the tours.  We at Morning Earth Korea worked with Gangjin to have them develop this Exhibit/Workshop/Tour opportunity for international ceramic artists.
The purpose for the Gangjin Experience and the International Artist's Korean Ceramic Tour is to provide international ceramic artists the opportunity to experience Korean ceramics in depth.  If a participant only experiences Gangjin, they are not seeing the whole picture that is ceramics in Korea.  On the tour participants will meet personally with some of Korea's most respected ceramic artists in their homes and studios.  During the tour participants will be experiencing the depth of Korean ceramics and in the process opportunities will develop for additional exhibits and even the opportunity to study with artists.  This tour has received rave reviews and should not be missed. 
We personally want you to participate in the Korean Potters Tour because we want you to see the great work being produced and meet the artists in this very friendly pottery rich country.
When you apply we assume that you are applying for both the Gangjin Experience and the International Ceramic Artist's Tour  They are connected.   However, your participation in the tour will not affect your acceptance to the Gangjin Experience.  So if you are not available for the tour, please let us know. 
Please officially sign up to follow this blog.  
Ask your questions in the comment section.   Only your participation will make this blog work.  My hope is that creating these blogs will eventually help you connect with other international potters, share experiences and keep connected.  You never know what a group of international ceramic artists can accomplish together.
Register now to receive your application and more information as it becomes available.



You might be interested in some other blogs and web sites that will give you a little more flavor of Korean ceramics.

www.MorningCraneTea.blogspot.com

If you haven’t visited our web site the address is: www.GangjinExhibit.com. That web site needs considerable updating but contains information that might interest you.  Now most of that information has been transferred to this blog.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Would you like to learn about these events another way?  Click onto these various links.

Welcome       Registration      Itinerary




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