Paper on Skin™ finalists announced for 2024

Finalists for the 2024 Paper on Skin™ wearable paper art awards have been announced.

Thirty-five works of exceptional quality will be presented at the gala parade and award evening in Devonport, Tasmania, on 21 September 2024.

“Paper on Skin™ evolves every year,” says Coordinator, Lyndal Thorne. “2024 is no exception. We have had a 60% increase in entries. The creative and innovative use of paper continues to amaze and impress us. The selected finalists have demonstrated a mastery of technique and a visionary approach to the challenge.

“The medium of paper means everything to these artists. The audience will be amazed at the diverse ways paper will be utilised to create wonderous, one-off garments.”

Heading into its 7th iteration, Paper on Skin™ is now firmly established as an international event. This year, the competition will feature forty artists from eleven countries.

An increased prize pool this year sees the finalists vying for AUD$14 000 in prizes across ten awards (three new).

Works will be exhibited at the Devonport Regional Gallery from the 27 September to the 16 November.

The gala will be held on 21 September at the Town Hall Theatre at the paranaple arts centre.

Universe of Paper, also presented by Paper on Skin™, is a community project that sees a huge paper ‘forest’ created in the Market Square Pavilion. This will be the setting for the pre-show soirée of the gala event.

Tickets for both the soiree and gala will go on sale in May.

Find the list of finalists HERE

Paper on Skin™ Major Partner: Devonport City Council. Also supported by the Tasmanian Government and North West Support Services. Universe of Paper is a Regional Arts Fund project.

Announcing - Universe of Paper

We are thrilled to introduce the Universe of Paper.

Paper on Skin™ has had a long-held dream to create a ‘paper wonderland’ – a large scale, immersive, sensory rich environment made completely from paper which patrons can enjoy prior to the Paper on Skin™ gala event.

With thanks to the Regional Arts Fund, Devonport City Council and Creative Paper, this year we can bring this dream to reality!

The paper landscape will fill the Market Square Pavilion in Devonport, providing a magical setting for the pre-show soirée.

The extraordinary installation will be created in a series of workshops, led by Stephanie Reynolds, to be held across the North and North-West of Tas from April to July.

The launch will be held on gala night – 21st September - and will be followed by a brief exhibition period.

This project was made possible by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

Paper on Skin™ Major Partner – Devonport City Council. Paper on Skin™ is supported by North West Support Services and the Tasmanian Government.

We thank everyone who has already contributed to this project – transporting cylinders, collecting materials to be re-purposed, or commencing the creations!

Workshop dates and times HERE

It's state election time! All three major parties have now released their arts policies.

Tasmanian Liberals POLICY HERE

$4 million increase in arts funding, including a $1 million dollar youth arts grant funding program, and a one-off $1.5 million in additional funding for arts organisations.

Tasmanian Labour POLICY HERE

Increase in the arts budget with particular attention to improving multi-year funding opportunities and providing more secure employment for artists and arts workers.

Tasmanian Greens POLICY HERE (download)

The Greens will fight to double arts grants to individuals and increase grants to organisations by 50%, push for fair pay for artists, and also have a 'Creative Spaces' initiative.

None of the Jacqui Lambie Network or Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidates for Braddon specifically mention the arts.

Burnie's gateway sculpture - Burnie Arts Council goes public

FACEBOOK POST 29th Feb 2024 (Burnie Arts Council page)

Burnie Arts Council, for 75 years, have taken our role of arts advocacy very seriously.

A work of public art has been in the headlines this week.

Our concern is that in all the discussion about the gateway sculpture, one voice has been lost.

The voice of the artist.

In the case of the ‘Welcome Gesture’, two artists – David Hamilton and Geoff Farquhar-Still.

Generally, artists don’t have a lot of power in this world.

One cornerstone of what artists do, however, is enshrined. In law (Copyright Act, 1968).

It is called a moral right.

Moral rights … ‘connect an artist to their work,’ (Arts/Law Society).

There are three types of moral rights – the Right of Attribution, the Right against False Attribution, and the Right of Integrity.

The right of integrity means that ‘…no one can change your work without your permission.’

David and Geoff were asked about changing the colour of ‘Welcome Gesture’. They explicitly said no. If you listen to the recording of Tuesday night’s council meeting, a document is read where they articulate why the colour is integral to the design.

Council have entered into a contractual agreement with the artists to execute this design.

Regardless of issues around the consultation process, regardless of what your preference is, the artists and their work deserve the protection which moral rights provide for them.

We ask that the public respect the integrity of the creative process and the protocols around contractual agreements.

Collage of The Advocate newspaper articles relating to ‘Welcome Gesture’

AGM time! Changing of the guard.

At the AGM on Sunday 25th February, the following office bearers were re-elected:

Lyndal Thorne - PRESIDENT

Heather Wild - TREASURER

We welcome two new office bearers:

Cynthia Hawkins - VICE PRESIDENT

Tara Palmer - SECRETARY

Cynthia is a visual artist of extraordinary depth who works across many mediums. Tara Palmer is a past Helen Denise Jones OAM Arts Bursary recipient.  Even at age 19, Tara is an awarded photographer with an impressive portfolio and a solo exhibition under her belt. 

New members are always welcome. $15 membership fee. Pay HERE

Please send an email to paperonskin@gmail.com after you have paid so we can ensure to include you in our updated member’s registry.

Yes, we are heading into our 76th year!

Paper on Skin™ Workshops sell-out in record time!

Experienced US-based paper maker and paper artist Helen Hiebert will lead three days of workshops as part of the 2024 Paper on Skin™ festivities.

The first workshop (2 days) is called Bend, Form, Sculpt, and will take place on the 22nd and 23rd September.

The second workshop (1 day) is called Pleat, Crumple, Connect and will take place on the 24th September.

Almost as soon as the workshops were open for registration, they were booked to capacity.

Join the waitlist HERE

An example of one of the creations which will be made in the workshops led by Helen Hiebert.

Paper on Skin™ 2024 now closed for entries

Thank you to all the artists who have submitted entries for Paper on Skin™ 2024.

The call-out has received an overwhelming response, with over a 50% increase in entries from all over the world.

Artists will be notified of Round One preselection by Friday 23rd Feb.

Finalists will be announced after Round Two of pre-selection.

Expect the public announcement of the finalists for 2024 around 26th April.

2024 Headlines:

Prize Pool

Now AUD$14 200. Up from AUD$10 000 in 2022. Includes three new prizes.

Gala Date

September 21st. Artists, you will have more time to make... and it is a little bit warmer than (our usual) midwinter date.

Location

Devonport.

Filming again?

Absolutely! The Paper on Skin films of 2022 have been viewed over 22 000 times. They are a wonderful means of sharing the incredible work of our artists all around the world. We are looking forward to creating the films of 2024. The film and music elements of Paper on Skin™ are supported by North West Support Services.

Universe of Paper

You will be in it! Stay tuned for news about this special community project to be led by Devonport-based paper artist Stephanie Reynolds. 'Universe of Paper' is supported by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

Judges

Katie Somerville, Pippa Dickson, Vivienne Breheney.

For all information about Paper on Skin, head to the website

Subscribe here

Entry Form here

Helen Denise Jones OAM Memorial Arts Bursary - Recipient Announced

Ayla Lake has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the Helen Denise Jones OAM Memorial Arts Bursary.

Ayla  says her ‘…life revolves around visual arts, making, writing, and playing music and performing. I… cannot get through a day without being creative. The bulk of my study over the past two years has been in the arts as well as my spare time. I can never remember a time when I was not creating art.’

Alongside her passion for visual art, Ayla also has a love for performing. From the age of nine she has been a student at Slipstream Circus. This led to a role as a volunteer trainer and then a paid position as a Junior Trainer. ‘I really enjoy getting out in the community to perform and share my love of circus with new people, it is truly rewarding seeing the smiles on people’s faces. I hope to be able to continue circus in Melbourne whether that be teaching performing or both’.

Upon receiving the bursary Ayla said; ‘I am truly thankful to have been chosen as the recipient of the Helen Denise Jones Bursary… having this extra money will allow me to be involved in the arts scene and enrich my experience as a whole.’

Images of Ayla performing in Slipstream Circus’ production of Tangent in September 2023. Photo credit John Fisher.

More about the bursary here.

Ayla Lake performing in Slipstream Circus’ production of Tangent

We had our big 75th Birthday - it was a blast!

Burnie Arts Council’s 75th Birthday weekend was a huge success. It was comprised of four very live events, plus the creation of a Wall of Fame.

1. Hellyer College lunchtime concert – featuring comedian Josh Earl and the Dream Burnie Municipal Band (Will Hindmarsh, Van Donovan and Zane Lindt). All four are Burnie alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in their chosen field

2. Rooftop concert – just like the Beatles did. The Dream Burnie Municipal band rocked the CBD on a blustery Saturday lunchtime. It was history making!

3. Pre-concert soirée – provided the opportunity to look back at BAC’s 75 years of history and recognise significant individuals and momentous events. Burnie Stringalong Orchestra played. They are just one of the groups which has been incubated by BAC during our 75 year history, so it was most fitting.

4. The Concert – Josh Earl, Dream Burnie Municipal Band, Wendy Moles and Nick Hart, David Turner + recordings from Justin Heazlewood and the City of Burnie Brass Band. Brilliant performers and a warm and engaging vibe – perfect!

5. Wall of Fame - Very early on in the planning for our 75th Birthday, the decision was made to focus on Burnie’s alumni. We had been gathering a list for a few years, and knew it was impressive. The birthday milestone gave us a reason to showcase these extraordinary individuals. We ended up with a Wall of Fame featuring almost 150 alumni. The display is up until the 31st October.

There’s a reason why Burnie is called the City of Makers. No matter what the creative challenge (be it engineering, papier mâché sculpture, miniature art or an ingenious water clock) Burnie people tend to roll up their sleeves and get things done. Our history is defined by passionate people with vision. Fortunately we live in a community where the goodwill and support can be mustered to bring these ideas to fruition.

Thank you Burnie! Keep making, performing, connecting, and showing up. This is how we got to here. 

This event is presented in partnership with the Burnie City Council. Concerts at Hellyer College and the Kmart plaza were supported by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

After the Dream Burnie Municipal Band did the rooftop concert, there was time for some zebra crossing shenanigans!

Take-Off! flies again...

TAKE-OFF! FLIES AGAIN

Originally scheduled for 2020, the paper plane project Take-Off! finally has lift off!

Take-Off! involves a suite of activities presented by the Burnie Arts Council, through the support of the Bank of Useful ideas initiative. The idea grew from Burnie’s papermaking past, but through STEAM looks ahead to a shared creative future.

The 2023 revival of the project has involved the Burnie Arts Council partnering with the Children’s University and Montello Primary School’s award-winning STEM teacher, Daniel Edwards.

Two after-school workshops were held at the University of Tasmania during September. Students had the option of participating in STEM-based plane making activities, or rolling up their sleeves in the arts space where flight and flying inspired the creation of some colourful and wonderous flying ‘machines.’

Throughout the activities, there were many opportunities to discuss the impact of physical variables on the aeronautics of the planes.

Bank of us CEO Paul Ranson said the bank was proud to be involved with this project as part of its commitment to support Tasmanian communities. “As a customer owned bank, we want to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our community, this is a fantastic project that brings together creativity, design and history.”

Students who have demonstrated strong engagement with the project will be invited to attend an open day at the Wynyard Aero Club at Burnie Airport this Saturday 23rd Sept. They will get to talk to real pilots, tour the hanger, sit in a plane and share a BBQ lunch.

The skills the children have been learning will be put to the test in monster fly-off to be ‘called’ by Burnie City Councillor, Chris Lynch.

On October 10th at 10.30am there will also be a free screening of the film ‘Paper Planes’ at the Burnie Metro Cinema. Entry by paper plane!

The film screening is FREE, but please register HERE

Flying paper planes at the Wynyard Aero Club. Picture by Grant Wells Photo

Alluvium wins national award for Paper on Skin soundtrack

Alluvium wins at the APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards for ‘Excellence in a Regional Area’ for the Paper on Skin soundtrack Paper Cuts.

Alluvium is presented by Eastside Studios, and is made up of the incredibly talented musicians Paul Corfiatis and Aaron Hopper. Eastside Studios are the creative and digital arts production house of North-West Support Services.

North-West Support Services are a key partner with Paper on Skin, and over the past few years have become strongly involved in the music and film elements of the production. A standout feature of the music is that paper and papermaking is at its very heart. The musicians visited Pam Thorne (Paper on Skin’s Concept Originator) while she was making paper – recording the sounds of the various processes involved – the Hollander beater, mixing, lifting the pulp out of the water, and sounds made by manipulating the dried handmade paper. They also received recordings from the Awagami papermaking Factory in Japan. The Awagami factory make paper using centuries old traditions and are our handmade paper award sponsor. 

Burnie Arts Council President Lyndal Thorne selected to go to Artlands!

Artlands is different this year! Rather than the usual conference format with presenters and a crowded, overlapping schedule, this year it will a think-tank. Participants will actively participate in the three day facilitated gathering and networking events and contribute to a strategic conversation that will guide the next decade of regional practice.

Prospective attendees had to complete a rather gruelling application, and only 80 participants have been selected from around the country.

We are thrilled to announce that BAC President, Lyndal Thorne, was selected as one of the attendees.

The three-day event, held at the National Gallery Australia on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (in Canberra) on 6 - 8 September 2023, will facilitate the creation of an ambitious set of guiding principles for Regional Arts Australia and the Regional and Arts Sector into the future.

Keep an eye on our social media for updates!

Mourning the death of Hugh Hiscutt AM

Burnie Arts Council Inc wishes to acknowledge the death of Hugh Hiscutt AM (b 10-7-1926, d 21-3-2023).

Hugh was a life member of the Burnie Arts Council Inc, and our Patron for many years.

Hugh was a passionate supporter of the arts, and always made himself available to provide advice and insights based on his experience and expertise.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Burnie Community House Family Fun Day

On the 3rd of February, the Burnie Arts Council were a part of the fabulous Family Fun Day at the Burnie Community House.

The two activities presented were both paper-themed. One involved large scale, free-style drawing for all ages - two hands were encouraged!

The second was a paper plane activity station, with an array of templates available. Once the technical part was mastered, there was great fun to be had in the throwing - with a bit of competition thrown in for good measure!

Thanks to Burnie Works, Tracey and all the helpers from the Burnie Community House who assisted with the organisation of the day.

Burnie Arts Council also thanks the Burnie City Council for the supply of paper from the large (ex-pulp) roll currently stored in the Burnie Regional Art Gallery.

Burnie Arts Council Inc AGM - Done and Dusted!

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual AGM.

Our Executive Committee remains the same as last year, elected unopposed.

President - Lyndal Thorne

Vice President - Lynne Price

Secretary - Pam Thorne

Treasurer - Heather Wild

Patron - Alexander McKenzie

Thanks to representatives from various arts organisations who came along.

In attendance were members of the City Of Burnie Brass Band, Friends of the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Burnie Coastal Art Group, City of Burnie Eisteddfod, the Burnie Highland Pipe Band, EMUsicians and the Burnie Concert Band.

Other groups were an apology... too busy doing their thing. DoMaur Productions Incorporated, for example, were right next door performing RENT. Leave pass granted!!

Special mention to Councillor Steve Kons and Leonie Hiscutt MLC who were also present.

Ideas were brewing aplenty once the afternoon tea came out and we all got chatting.

Stay tuned!! And remember, it is our 75th Birthday this year, so there are plenty of celebrations ahead of us.

Want to become a member? Join HERE

Burnie Arts Council's New Year Plea - Please Book Early

Burnie Arts Council Inc wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year.

As for resolutions… we request your help . Many gigs and performances run the risk of cancellation due to a pesky little habit Tasmanians have of leaving their booking purchases to the very last minute!

Changing your booking habits is an easy, zero-cost way to support artists and event organisers.

All you have to commit to is making 2023 the year you act on your instinct to see that band, attend that performance, slot in that event - make your booking or RSVP - and do it in good time!

It’s a WIN /WIN. You get your +1/posse/calendar organised. Performers/artists/organisers know they’ve got an audience and can confirm a whole heap of behind the scenes stuff which you might never know about, but will definitely make your experience a whole lot better!

On behalf of the Tasmanian arts sector… we THANK YOU!

Cultural Centre Feedback - Report Released

In response to the release of the architectural plans for the upgrades to the Burnie Cultural Centre, Burnie City Council asked for community feedback.

The feedback period took place between the 10th October and 7th November.

The report - compiled for council to consider at its December 2022 meeting - states: A number of relevant matters raised by the community were referred to the project architect, Xsquared for consideration and to enable amendment where necessary.

The revised plans were approved unanimously by the council, along with granting permission for the Steering Committee to undertake minor changes to the plans as required through the design process.

The full report can be downloaded HERE (Dec 13th Minutes, p 48 - p 88).

The council meeting where the report was discussed can be live-streamed HERE

Advocate article HERE

Cultural Centre Plans Feedback - taken from Agenda of the Dec 13th Burnie City Council meeting

Paper on Skin 2022 Films now Launched!

We are thrilled to announce the launch the 2022 Paper on Skin Films!

Back in June, during the lead up to the gala, our wonderful crew and awesome models spent six days inside the paranaple arts centre theatre filming each of the works.

Our film crew were also on board at the Gala event and Award ceremony held at the paranaple convention centre on the 17th June.

The Main Film, showcasing choice moments from the gala and in-theatre sessions can be viewed HERE

Individual clips of the 34 works (including information about the artists) can be viewed HERE

And edited version of the Gala event can be viewed HERE.

Works pictured (below) during the filming process (clockwise from top R), Sally Baldwin’s Lost Flowers, Teddy McRitchie’s Stop and Smell the Roses, Rachel Smith’s Value ≠ Worth and Aïdée Bernard’s Enlace #2.

All images by Grant Wells Photo

Hair and Make-Up by Kitty Martini – Big Tease Pop-Up Parlour. Kitty is pictured, out of the dressing room (!!) bottom left looking fabulously retro, as always.

Paper on Skin is presented in partnership with the Devonport City Council and is assisted by Arts Tasmania.

ARC Linkage Research Project - Paper on Skin

Over a number of years, a team of researchers from the Queensland Institute of Technology have undertaken a longitudinal study of Paper on Skin. The study is an outcome of the ARC Linkage Project with the topic of : The Role of the Creative Arts in Regional Australia: A Social Impact Model. The final research paper was released in December, 2022.

The researchers visited the North-West on several occasions, conducting group sessions and one-on-one interviews.

Their abstract states: ‘The case study from northwest Tasmania, Paper on Skin, reflects this region’s creativity and innovation. It highlights the value of place-based art, culture and creativity in supporting communities to survive and thrive amid socio-economic change. Paper on Skin has contributed to evolving northwest Tasmania’s identity and self-image while having national and international relevance and appeal. Over the years its growth and prestige has helped advance northwest Tasmania’s national reputation as a site of culture and innovation.’

Read the full report HERE

Diary cover image, researchers Sandra Gattenhof and Helen Klaebe (left of picture) participate in an International Women’s Day discussion whilst visiting Tasmania for research purposes.

Lead researcher Sandra Gattenhof (far left) participating on a Ten Days on the Island panel during one of their research trips to Tasmania in March 2021

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra trains Burnie Stringalong Orchestra

In October 2022, viola player with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, William Newberry, came to Burnie to run training sessions with the Burnie Stringalong Orchestra.

This is the second time Will has worked with the students. Will also attended the Summer String Camp in 2021. He is a highly experienced (and entertaining) teacher and conductor. 

Will worked with both the junior and senior ensembles on current programme repertoire. There was also a short session with everyone involved.

The TSO fully sponsored this workshop.  We are very grateful for this support.

Players from the senior BSO are featured in the photo along with Will (centre back).