I recently received an email from Avaaz.org in regards to artist Ai Wei-Wei who is currently being held in an undisclosed location by the Chinese government, or in their words   "he has been disappeared by the Chinese government."

Avaaz.org is organizing a call to artists and gallerists to stop exhibiting in China until Ai Wei-Wei is released. The Beijing International Art Expo, a big art fair is scheduled to take place in Beijing, in addition to numerous planned exhibitions. Avaaz.org believes the outside pressure from the international art community can help in releasing Ai whose crimes seem to be what George Orwell would have called "thoughtcrimes."

Here is a link to the organizer's petition in which they will bring to the Venice Biennale this June, where the major movers and shakers of the art world is in full force.

"Avaaz.org is an 8-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages."

The Art and Antique Dealers League of America (AADLA) hosts Art and Antiques Week NYC at the Park Avenue Armory from April 25 to May 1.

On display will be fine and decorative arts including ancient artifacts, fine furniture and modern paintings from 65 members of AADLA.

Art fairs provide great opportunities for art dealers. Please read more about Art Fairs.

The field of contemporary art is highly competitive and it is rare for good job opportunities for curators and directors to become available. So when an art institution offers a full time position with a four year contract then it's worth posting on this blog.

The Baltic Art Center (BAC) in Visby, Sweden is seeking a new Director to run its international residency programmes.

The high profile BAC is a work place for artists, curators and contemporary art writers to produce their work. Founded in 1999 and foundation-run, BAC is known as a site for innovative and experimental artistic production.

Besides residing in Gotland, the new Director will further develop BAC. Duties include overseeing the institution's artistic direction and execution of all its art programmes, and working closely with artists, while administering the daily business of staff, finances and fundraising. The position also includes widening BAC's international networks so it is recommended that the candidate is skilled in management and has a wide network of artworld contacts, plus have a Master's degree and extensive experience in art curation and production.

According to Art and Education "your application, including a brief vision for BAC and its activities, expected salary, and other relevant documentation, must reach BAC no later than 15 May 2011 by e-mail to: contact@balticartcenter.com or by mail to: BAC, Skeppsbron 24, SE-621 57 Visby, SWEDEN. Mark your email or letter Director." They didn't specify language, but it might be wise to start learning Swedish if you are applying.

Facebook isn't for teens. It's also a great site for artists and art curators to network.

I just set up a fan page on Facebook. Please LIKE Fine Art.