Carnegie International facts for kids

The Carnegie International is a big art show in Pittsburgh, USA. It displays contemporary art from all over the world. This special exhibition was started by a rich businessman and helper named Andrew Carnegie on November 5, 1896.

Carnegie wanted the International to teach and inspire people. He also hoped it would help countries understand each other better. He planned for the show to offer a look at new art. This way, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh could add great pieces to its own collection.

History of the Art Show

The Carnegie International began in 1896. It was first called the "Annual Exhibition" because it happened every year. For a long time, it mostly showed paintings.

From 1955 to 1970, the show changed to happen every three years. It also had different names during this time.

At first, the museum director, John W. Beatty, chose all the art himself. Later, experts from other countries helped decide which artworks to include. A group of judges also gave out awards. Some artists were invited directly to show their work. Others had to send their art to a special committee for review.

The show sometimes took breaks. For example, in 1906, it paused because the museum was getting bigger. It also stopped for five years between 1915 and 1919 because of World War I.

After a break due to high costs and building a new part of the museum, the show returned in 1977 and 1979. These were called the "International Series." During these years, only one or two artists were featured, like Pierre Alechinsky, Willem de Kooning, and Eduardo Chillida.

In 1982, the show came back as the Carnegie International. It has been held every three to five years since then. After the Venice Biennale in Italy, the Carnegie International is the oldest international art survey show in the world.

How the Show Changed Over Time

Early Years: 1896–1914

The Carnegie Institute held its "annual exhibition" for eighteen years. The only year it didn't happen was 1906, when the museum was under construction.

Mid-Century: 1920–1950

Between 1920 and 1950, the Carnegie Institute held nineteen international shows. There was a break during World War II. The museum's second director, Homer Saint-Gaudens, made a new system. He traveled to Europe, and foreign helpers found promising artworks for him. Judges still included artists, but museum directors also helped. Saint-Gaudens started showing art grouped by country. In 1924, he also added the "Popular Prize," which the public voted on.

Later Years: 1951–1969

From 1952 to 1969, the Institute held the international show six times. Gordon Bailey Washburn, a later director, continued using foreign advisors. But he stopped organizing the art by country. He wanted the show to be "one person's view of contemporary art." In 1958, a special show featured 95 paintings from past exhibitions. Famous artist Marcel Duchamp was one of the judges that year.

The shows in 1964 and 1967 were organized by Gustave Von Groschwitz. He worked with experts from Europe. Von Groschwitz went back to showing art by country. He also changed the awards, giving six equal prizes instead of numbered ones.

The 1970s: 1970–1979

The shows in 1970, 1977, and 1979 were organized by Leon Arkus. For the 1970 show, he removed all prizes. In 1977 and 1979, he changed the show to focus on just one or two artists, like Pierre Alechinsky, Eduardo Chillida, and Willem de Kooning. Each of these artists received a large prize.

The 1980s: 1980–1990

Three international shows happened in the 1980s. In 1982, a curator named Gene Baro organized the show. This way of organizing the show, with a special curator, has continued ever since. Curators often get advice from committees of other curators, critics, and artists. These committees also help decide who wins awards.

Recent Years: 1991–2010

Different curators organized the show in recent years. These included Lynn Cooke and Mark Francis in 1991, Richard Armstrong in 1995, Madeleine Grynsztejn in 1999, Laura Hoptman in 2004, and Douglas Fogle in 2008. The advisory committees for these shows included other curators, art critics, and artists. They also helped the museum director and trustees choose the award winners.

See also

• Carnegie Prize List of first prize winners at the exhibition.