Artists have been announced for Front and Centre - a program designed to invigorate, develop and showcase the work and practice of artists from the North West Coast.
Bill Cotching - ceramicist
June Hope - textile artist, feltmaker, sculptor
Gypsy Draven - visual artist (painter)
Debra Wills - eco-dyed, hand sewn wearable art garments; paper artist (dyed paper and hand bound journals); printmaker
Stella Blackwell - visual artist (painter)
The program kicked off on February 13th with a full day workshop involving sessions by:
Grant Wells (Grant Wells Photo) - How to Photograph Your Work. Creating a strong online presence is becoming increasingly important for artists in the digital age, especially since COVID-19. In a practical session Grant will demonstrate how to ensure your images are winners.
Scott Campbell (Contemporary Arts/Research) – Professional Practice. Covering tips re writing Artist Statements, CV’s, pitching to galleries, exhibition submissions, managing your profile/portfolio, self-care.
The culmination of Front and Centre was a series of stunning window displays showcased in the Burnie CBD.
Melbourne-based designer Amanda May collaborated with the artists to develop concepts, themes and props for the displays. Amanda is the 2020 Design Eye Creative paper on skin Major Award winner for her exquisite wearable paper artwork Waratah.
An experienced display artist, Amanda creates custom handmade statement pieces for special events. Working primarily in paper, she is known for creating bold pieces which transform space.
All enquiries: Lyndal Thorne 0438 313 045
This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
Burnie Arts Council Inc is partnering with Ten Days on the Island and Business north west via their Burnie 2.0 initiative to put local artisans FRONT AND CENTRE.
Subsidised places have been assisted thanks to generous donations from Ruth Forrest, Independent Member for Murchison of the Legislative Council of Tasmania; Leonie Hiscutt, Liberal Member for Montgomery of the Legislative Council of Tasmania; Anita Dow MP, Labor Member for Braddon and Senator Jacqui Lambie of the Jacqui Lambie Network.
Also huge appreciation to the Waterfront Wynyard for assisting with accommodation
Workshop Venue: Contemporary Arts/Research, View Rd, Burnie
What is Burnie 2.0? Business North West’s initiative to reinvigorate Burnie’s CBD through various community and business projects designed to assist Burnie to revive and thrive. To kick off 2021 Burnie 2.0 has just launched Renew Burnie, an opportunity for aspiring creatives, innovators or entrepreneurs to have rent-free access to vacant commercial spaces in the Burnie CBD. Successful applicants are supported to develop their fledgling business ideas, and in doing so contribute to the creation of a more vibrant and culturally diverse CBD. Expressions of interest for this program are open now. Find out more here
Diary entry image a composite photograph showing the work of Gypsy Draven (top), Bill Cotching (below right), and Stella Blackwell (below left).
Displays featuring the work of Debra Wills (above) and June Hope (below).