- Jan Morris

- Donald Smith (artist and director of Chelsea Space)
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To make a TURTLE, in these beginning stages - gestations - it is ideal that I reside in situ for up to three months. This will enable me to become familiar with the place and the people, and with facilities: art galleries, museums, cinemas, cinemathéques, music venues, people's homes and other potential places for TURTLE related installations or events.

PARIS is an obvious next stop because I am so familiar with the city, many people there are already involved in TURTLE and many have yet to be able to participate. And there are several ideal locations.

BEIRUT is a goal. Already there are several artists and writers involved, and curators, locations and people who will play a part. And the TURTLES themselves!

BRUXELLES because of the shared spirit and enthusiasm of Tania Nasielsk who will help build TURTLE from her home, Argosarts and the Cinématheque. I have a history with Bruxelles through my musical past, and Chris Marker has a nice story discovering Medevedkin there and i am uncovering Victor Serge. NEW YORK will come. TURTLE can happen in large cities and small locations, DÜSSELDORF was a wonderful last minute surprise without 3 months planning!

It is hoped that others can develop TURTLES of their own, outside large cities, sharing items and info. TURTLE is a spirit. TURTLE should always be open and continue to change and build throughout its exhibition time, and beyond. It will embrace the last minute and unexpected.

TURTLE should be an environment which is alive, inspiring and unpredictable.

The audience for TURTLE includes its participants - they are, in truth, the primary audience.

Locations for exhibition of objects could be in someone's home, an empty space in transition or waiting to become something, a model space in a building under construction as well as established galleries and professional spaces. TURTLE would involve students of all kinds (art, music, film, philosophy, literature, science...) to help organize and run the show!

An offshoot of TURTLE - KINOTECA - would be a more permanent space to also deal in an eclectic selection of books, dvd's and cd's. It would not be a store one would rely upon for anything but discovery. In addition, and addendum, there would be a small video screening room also for discovery. Always programmed with the unexpected mixed with the classic - always free and not advertised (but for special events).

And all aspects of this KINOTECA would be interactive. People will be invited to select their favorite book, film or music and it can be available for a limited time. It can be a new work or of the past. Very few, if any, items would be permanently stocked. A history will be built, building, as part of the essential spirit of TURTLE. Everything will have its time, nothing of permanence, but not because of war - civil or other!

KINOTECA could also incorporate a café of drink and possibly food. But NO turtle soup!

M H S