I would like to remind all readers of my blog of this year’s Slow Art Day, which will take place on 12 April. The idea behind it is easy: slow down, and take your time with looking at a piece of art. Rather than passing by, skimming a painting, you take a good five to ten minutes to look at the details. In many cases, the artwork will start talking to you. Metaphorically, of course.

Slow Art Day is an international event. We have more than 160 venues so far from across the globe taking part in it. Some countries are unfortunately underrepresented, and I’m hoping to reach out to those, who are interested in the event but have never heard of it.

Let me briefly quote from the organisers’ website:

One day each year – April 12 in 2014 – people all over the world visit local museums and galleries to look at art slowly. Participants look at five works of art for 10 minutes each and then meet together over lunch to talk about their experience. That’s it. Simple by design, the goal is to focus on the art and the art of seeing.

Everyone can become a host. It’s easy. Just sign up on the website, tell us where you would like to host, and then we add you to the list. You get an Eventbrite page, which you can use to advertise your event.

Having organised a Slow Art Day last year, I can assure you that it’s a fantastic thing to do. It shows you art in an entirely different light. It is astonishing what you see, if you just take your time.

I will organise this year’s event at the University of Stirling, Scotland. If you are around, feel free to join me and my group.

Please circulate the news widely, and please become involved. Again, it’s a wonderful thing. You will not regret it!

Any questions, please get in touch with me [theartsofslowcinema@gmail.com] (I’m UK and Ireland outreach), or contact the main organisers behind the event through their website.