Cutting-Edge Art Aboard Holland America

Cruise News – Apr. 11, 2018

Holland America Line is marking World Art Day, April 15, with the introduction of the world’s largest emerging-art gallery, an experience designed to take place on board its ships and on shore during cruises.

The program has been created in partnership with ArtLink, and will allow guests to participate in interactive art events, as well as to appreciate unique regional artworks and local cultures in various destinations around the world. And, of course, they’ll be able to take home mementos of the experience.

Onboard gallery spaces will feature works by a select group of international artists, with changing exhibitions carefully curated to reflect the regions of the world each ship sails through. The works on display will be offered exclusively to Holland America Line guests.

Artists will include Danish photographer and musician Nikolaj Lund, Ukrainian photographer Oleg Oprisco, 3D-printed ceramic artist Kate Blacklock, and New Zealander Kevin Best, who recreates Dutch Golden Age still-lifes using items from the era arranged for digital photographs.

“Through our work with ArtLink on our newbuilds, we connected with a mutual passion to create an innovative art experience that was more integrated with the places we visit,” says Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The right piece of art can be not only an incredible souvenir for our guests but also a prominent way for them to connect emotionally with their travels.”

Guests will be invited to view the pieces at cocktail parties, attend special talks, meet visiting artists and simply enjoy the galleries. An ArtLink Art Concierge and Art Specialists will be available to provide background on the works and the artists.

In the future, ArtLink will help develop an onboard residency program in which artists will give live demonstrations and workshops. The partnership will also help create art-themed shore excursions to visit emerging artists in their studios and galleries on shore.

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^{Photo: Holland America Line/Nikolaj Lund}