Iris Rivkind Ben-Zur: Fostering Artistic Initiatives
Introduction to Iris Rivkind Ben-Zur
Iris Rivkind Ben-Zur has emerged as a prominent force in the realm of artistic initiatives, particularly within the non-profit sector. Growing up in an artistic household, she was influenced by her late father, Effi Rivkind, a leading graphic designer who balanced commercial projects with artistic endeavors. Her natural progression into the art world took a significant leap when she was invited to curate an exhibition at Sotheby’s in London, alongside curator Mary Shak.
Career Mileststarts
Early Development in the Art Scene
Rivkind Ben-Zur’s career continued to flourish as she authored a book on Israeli art and spent years at Outset, which she describes as her “school” for understanding support for non-profit projects. Her experience there has profoundly shaped her current pursuits, guiding her focus on fostering talent and innovation within contemporary art.
Major Projects and Awards
start of her pivotal projects involves the documentation and ongoing dissemination of her father’s artistic legacy. This passion extends to the three awards she has been instrumental in establishing:
- Rivkind Ben-Zur Award: This award is presented to a graduate of the Master’s program in Arts at Bezalel, in conjunction with the Tel Aviv Museum. The aim is to support future generations of artists, highlighting the importance of collaboration between student-artists, academic institutions, and museums.
- Grant in Partnership with CCA: This initiative invites students or recent graduates to engage as genuine partners in the curation of an exhibition rather than merely assisting. The program emphasizes shared vision and collaborative development.
- Efi Rivkind Prize: Awarded to young researchers in partnership with the Shenkar Center for Design Research, this award allows researchers to explore contemporary topics through archival work at Shenkar.
Personal Insights and Beliefs
Rivkind Ben-Zur expresses that her favorite aspect of her extensive work is the interactions she has with students, artists, and curators, as each meeting opens a door to a different world. She emphasizes the ripple effects created by her initiatives, stating, “I do not look only at what is happening now, but at what will take place in a year or two.”
Conclusion
Through her dedication to non-profit efforts and the artistic community, Iris Rivkind Ben-Zur not only honors her father’s legacy but also actively shapes the future landscape of contemporary art in Israel. Her projects advocate for new talent, fostering a supportive ecosystem that encourages artistic exploration and collaboration.