FIDEM,
the International Medal Federation (Fédération
Internationale de la Médaille) was founded
in 1937 as a transnational organization representing
the major producers of commemorative medals. In the
succeeding decades, the scope has been broadened to
emphasize the activity of sculptors and collectors,
with the art of the medal as the primary focus.
The
principal activity of FIDEM is the organization of
an international congress and exhibition for its members,
usually every two years. At the congress, lectures
and workshops explore the aesthetic, production, and
history of the medal. The exhibition features thousands
of medals by artists from member countries. Each country's
exhibition work is selected by its own delegation
by the process of competition.
The
29th Congress, October 22 - 25, 2004, was held in
the city of Seixal, Portugal. The exhibition was held
until November 27, 2004 at the former Mundet Factories.
1055 medal works by 515 artists, from 32 countries
were exhibited at the 29th Congress. Among them were
63 works from 33 American artists. The panelists for
selecting American delegate work for the 29th Congress
were appointed by the US Delegate, Ms. Cory Gillilland.
The
following statement is part of the FIDEM catalogue
written by Ms. Gillilland.
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Entries
of the competition were almost double the number
of medals allotted to the United States. Thus,
the selection was a most difficult task since
all the medals submitted were fine examples
of the craft. At the time of their judging,
all of them were laid out and identified only
with a number. The artists were incognito and
the art was judged for the piece itself. |
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The
30th FIDEM Congress will be hosted in 2007 by the
American Numismatic Association in Colorado Springs,
U.S.A.
