locust projects


	Ernst Hilger teams up with Locust Projects for the first- ever Artist Project Award (Miami, FL February 21, 2007) For the next three years, Austrian-based dealer and private collector, Prof. Ernst Hilger has teamed up with Miami’s alternative nonprofit space, Locust Projects, to create the first-ever Hilger Artist Project Award for a selected artist or collaborative project. Next summer, 2008, will be the beginning of this exciting venture where an artist or collaborative project will be given the opportunity to spend up to two months working in the space to create a site-specific installation. The artist will be awarded the first-of-the-season exhibition in September 2008. Locust Director Claire Breukel developed this new concept with Mr Hilger to draw attention to Locust Projects’ distinctive mission and give an artist an unrestricted working experience. The Hilger Artist Project Award will be the first of its kind for Locust Projects and is intended to support artists who create expansive and responsive artwork, and create an infrastructure for work that may not necessarily be commercially viable. “We are thrilled that Ernst and Claire are working together to showcase what makes Locust Projects so distinct in the art world” stated Heather Urban, Chairman of Locust Projects. The Award is scheduled for the next three years with the aim of continuing and expanding. “Organizations like Locust Projects make it possible for galleries to see artists and their projects on a very high level - we owe them thanks for making the first step of many artist’s careers possible. Claire Breukel and Locusts Projects have my deep gratitude for helping to build new visions and support new artists. We hope that with a continuous expansion of interest for the arts, I can augment my prize and regularly show the winning artists in Vienna” states Prof. Hilger. The artist or collaborative chosen for The Hilger Artist Project Award will be selected by the Locust Projects selection panel that includes Westen Charles one of the original Founders of Locust; Gean Moreno; and Claire Breukel, Director of Locust Projects. The chosen artist will also be awarded an honorarium for the project. The winning artist will be announced at the beginning of December 2007. For additional information about the Hilger Artist Project Award please contact Claire Breukel, Director of Locust Projects.