The Glass Virus wants to discuss various examples of artists practices and the future of (recently graduated) artists and designers and glass-art education.

It is difficult enough for young artists to conduct a practice in which they are economically and socially independent immediately after their studies. However, this year's graduates are facing even more challenges because social and economic structures are partially or completely absent and they have to build a professional life in an incomparable situation.

Young artists rightly have questions, doubts and concerns about their personal future as artists, within a transforming society that seeks to redefine itself. The consequences of the pandemic, social and ecological fairness, cultural equality; are all subjects, which are often addressed in the work of the young artists.

The Glass Virus wants to make these concerns accessible in the seminars and share it with a large audience, including educational and professional institutions, individual makers, curators and students.

Every last Wednesday of the coming five months, the Glass Virus will organize an online seminar with invite young artists, who will present their work and discuss the practice, interest and future endeavors with experienced experts.

The first set of seminars will contemplate the following topic:

• Making Art in Pandemic Time October 28 2020. 6pm CET

What are the consequences for artists and glass studios in a shrinking economy? What is the impact of limited social contacts for an artist, who works in solitude? How did the students experience the lockdown when preparing for the degree show? How did the pandemic affect their work? The past six months were so unprecedented that 'normal' graduation was impossible. Exhibitions were cancelled, museums and galleries closed. In this seminar, three artists discuss their experience during graduation, workshop closure and cancellation of exhibitions.

Artists: Laura Quinn, Plymouth College of Art / School of Fine Art, NCAD Dublin

Linda Da Costa, Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Amsterdam

Expert: Kiyoshi Yamamoto, University lector at the Faculty of Art, Design, and Music (KMD) at the University of Bergen

Moderator: Ilse Van Roy, PXL/MAD, Hasselt