Finalists of the PinchukArtCentre Prize 2009 started their internships at studios of internationally renowned artists

Earlier this month, the winner of the Main PinchukArtCentre Prize Artem Volokitin and the winners of two Special PinchukArtCentre Prizes Oleksii Salmanov and Masha Shubina have started their apprenticeship programmes at studios of internationally renowned artists. Thus, during one month, Artem Volokitin and Masha Shubina will be training in the art studio of Antony Gormley in London and Oleksii Salmanov in the studio of Olafur Eliasson in Berlin.

During their internships, the Ukrainian artists will be offered an opportunity to get engaged in studios’ ongoing work, participate in both concept development and creation processes. The internships will not only offer an insight into the work of the studios, but will also grant them opportunities for small artistic experiments. In addition these young Ukrainian artists will have a chance to discuss their future works and artistic development with the internationally renowned masters.

Ekhard Schneider, General Director of the PinchukArtCentre: "We believe that the integration of Ukrainian artists into the global art context is very important. In the time of total globalization it is impossible to exist solely within a framework of national reality. Therefore, we hope that the experience these three artists will gain in the studios of outstanding world artists will not only help them learn the latest technology of creating works of art, but also widen their artistic viewpoint on the world."

In December 2009 an international jury selected the finalists of the PinchukArtCentre Prize among 20 shortlisted nominees whose works were exhibited in the art centre from 31 October to 20 December 2009. According to the Prize regulations, the winners received cash prizes: the Main Prize of UAH 100 000 and two Special Prizes of UAH 25 000 each. The Internships at studios of world known artists are fully covered by the PinchukArtCentre and are an integral element of the Prize.

Currently the works by Artem Volokitin are presented as part of the group show of the 21 artists shortlisted for the Future Generation Art Prize 2010. As the winner of the national Prize Artem was automatically included in the final stage of this international competition.