The Studio

Well the big change to NSW politics in the past two weeks has certainly been a loss to the arts world. Whilst you may not agree with all of Bob Carr’s political policies, it can’t be denied that he was a highly visible and enthusiastic supporter of the arts industry. It will certainly be interesting to see if his replacement can be as passionate about theatre, visual arts, literature and festivals as Carr was – Edmund Capon aptly described Carr’s close relationship with the arts industry this week when he said “We were not just an appendage to be held at arm’s length, we were part of his life,” (“Actors, writers, dancers hail the minister who loved his portfolio”, SMH, July 29 2005).”

While people reflect on the recent history of arts funding in NSW, there has been some tightening of the purse strings over in Victoria with the ministry announcing that the National Gallery of Victoria will have to close its doors to the public one day a week. The gallery’s Australian art collection at the Ian Potter Centre at Melbourne’s Federation Square will permanently close on Mondays and its international complex in St Kilda Road will close on Tuesdays, but reportedly no jobs are being cut as a result of this cost-cutting exercise (“Costs force gallery to take a day off”, SMH, 2 August 2005).

Last month I talked about how the emergence of video art has transformed the way we interact with art exhibitions, from live crosses between exhibition venues to viewing art in make-shift cinemas in historic buildings. This month I have found a couple of events which also challenge traditional ways of viewing artworks. Firstly the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane is hosting the exhibition Glass House Mountains. To capture the unique mythology and natural beauty of this area in Queensland, the artists have put together an installation-performance work comprising video, sculpture, topographical maps, environmental sound recordings, spatially manipulated electronics and live cello performances. While nature has always been recorded through the visual, the addition of sound can really help take the viewer to the place and feel closer to the subject.

Secondly, Sydney-siders have the opportunity to take part in a very interesting monthly event called The Salon held at The Knot Gallery in Surry Hills. A talented team have decided that each month they will take a theme for discussion (eg ‘Nuclear Power: Friend or Foe?’, ‘Public Broadcasting and the Arts’) and then use this topic as inspiration for a digital art show, poetry readings, short films and a debate. Whilst there are already a few places to have a good old political argument in Sydney, I love the idea of using visual art and poetry to add multiple perspectives to a topic and to introduce new voices to a debate. August’s topic is “Is Civil Liberty a Liability?”, to be held 7:30-11:30pm, Thursday 25th August at the Knot Gallery – 342 Elizabeth St Surry Hills.

A couple of August events worthy of mention: The Darwin Fringe Festival ends August 14 and features some fantastic exhibitions for those not too busy at the Deckchair Cinema or Brown’s Mart Theatre. Even if you are too busy, you can catch some art when eating your lunch – the Darwin City Council have created their very own Takeaway Art paper lunch bags to be used by participating food outlets during the festival!

And in Sydney this month there’s Sydney Design 05, the international Design Festival held from August 6 to August 21. The program includes some blockbuster exhibitions at the Powerhouse Museum – Australian Design Awards, Morris and Co and Sydney Designers Unplugged – and some fantastic events. My pick of the bunch is the “Young Blood” Designers Market on August 13 where you can buy yourself an original piece of artwork and meet the maker at the same time. A truly unique experience. For more info go to www.sydneydesign.com.au

Competitions and Grants

Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize
Entries close August 5
The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize is the only national prize for free standing sculptures of smaller dimensions (up to 80cm). For entry forms phone 02 9391 7135, or email: jo.jansyn@woollahra.nsw.gov.au

Artworkers Award
Applications Close August 8
Open to Queensland artists practising in all media, the inaugural Artworkers Award offers a $5,000 Acquisitive Prize and a $1,000 Highly Commended Prize (non-acquisitive). For further information contact the Artworkers Office on 07 3215 0850

Box Hill ‘Celebration’ 2nd and 3d Art Competition
Applications Close: August 19
First prize is $3,000 cash and two weeks gallery hire at Box Hill Community Arts Centre. For entry forms and further information, Phone (03) 9898 3544, Fax (03) 9899 4380, or email: bhcac@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Banyule Works on Paper Art Award
Entries close Friday August 26
The prize of $4,000 will be awarded to a work on paper that explores contemporary themes and displays outstanding excellence. Further information and entry forms are available from www.banyule.vic.gov.au or by phoning(03) 490 4222.

The 2005 Church and Dwight Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Award
Entries close Wednesday August 31st
One acquisitive prize of $5,000. For further info phone Centrehouse Community Arts Centre on 02 9428 4898, or visit www.centrehouse.org.au

Arts Queensland Individual/Collectives up to $10,000 grants
Closing date for application is September 1 (notification end of September)
For info visit Arts Queensland online at www.arts.qld.gov.au, or phone 07 3224 4896 or Tollfree 1800 175 531

2006 Asialink Artists’ Residencies
Applications close September 2, 2005
Arts Management residencies are open to arts managers in the areas of visual arts and crafts, performing arts, literature, multimedia, technical production and festivals. For more information go to www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au

7th Biennal National Ceramic Exhibition Awards
Entries close September 16
Run by the Cairns Pottery Club, with the top prize worth $1,200. For more information, download entry form from website at www.cairnspottersclub.com, or contact Jac Waters, Vice President, Cairns Potters Club Inc on (07) 4041 6128 or (07) 4054 6324, e: info@potteryplace.com

WA Indigenous Arts Panel Grants 2005
Closing date for applications are September 23
Grants available in the categories of New Concepts, New Treatments, and Distribution. For more, go to: www.cultureandarts.wa.gov.au/ArtsWAGrants.asp

Western Sydney Artists’ Fellowships
Closing date for applications is Friday 23 September. For an application form go to www.arts.nsw.gov.au

City of Whyalla Art Prize 200
Entry forms due Friday September 30. One of the major regional art prizes, worth $25,000. For info, go to www.countryarts.org.au

Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award
Entries close October 3
The Government House Foundation is offering an Acquisition Award of $5,000 for the winning original portrait of one or more senior Territorians. A People’s Choice Award of $1,000 is also being offered. The Award is open to all NT residents.
For information phone (08) 8999 8981.

Metro 5 Painting Award
Entries due October 15
Australia’s richest prize for painters aged 35 and under. Entry forms for the 2005 Metro 5 Art Award can be downloaded fromwww.metro5gallery.com.au

Exhibitions and Events

QUEENSLAND