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).

Local Government Election Time!

The results of the local government elections have been announced.

We congratulate our new Mayor Teeny Brumby and Deputy Mayor Giovanna Simpson who will take up the position for a second term.

Councillors David Pease, Amina Keygan, Ken Dorsey, Steve Kons and Chris Lynch have been re-elected. The two new faces at the council are Trent Aitken and Justin Grave.

We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Alvwyn Boyd who has served this community for decades as councillor and Mayor. Alvwyn and his wife Glenda have been great supporters of the arts.

Burnie Arts Council maintain a very close watch on council matters, and endeavour to have a representative present at every council meeting. We feel this election is absolutely critical to the future of the city, especially in terms of our status and reputation as a cultural centre.

On May 3rd,  2021, council announced a raft of decisions which struck at the very heart of this identity. We feel the community is still reeling from these decisions and the way the roll-out was managed.

In the lead up to the election, we asked 4 questions of each councillor who was standing for re-election, along with permission to publish the results. Their responses are published below. Steve Kons did not provide an answer.

1.       How would you describe the impact on the city in the wake of the decisions announced in May 2021?

2.       The ‘spirit’ of the city feels broken and trust in council is at an all-time low. What is your plan to rebuild community trust and civic pride? 

3.       Our reputation within the Tasmanian arts sector has taken a serious blow. What are your plans to salvage this, given the unveiling of the refurbished Arts and Function Centre (or whatever it will be called in the future), is unlikely to be completed until 2024?

4.       With the benefit of hindsight, what key decisions, or actions which flowed from those decisions, could have been handled differently?

On the 5th of October, Business North-West held a Candidates Forum at the Burnie Town Hall. A video of the event was recorded and can be viewed here. Thank you to Ian and the team at BNW for making this happen.

DAVID PEASE RESPONSE

GIOVANNA SIMPSON RESPONSE

AMINA KEYGAN RESPONSE

TEENY BRUMBY RESPONSE

ALVWYN BOYD RESPONSE

CHRIS LYNCH RESPONSE

KEN DORSEY RESPONSE

Burnie Arts Council Inc speaks out about consultation

The timing of the local government election has coincided with the second round of consultation regarding the refurbishment of Burnie’s Arts and Function Centre.

Burnie Arts Council Inc’s President, Lyndal Thorne, was interviewed by the Advocate about both matters. The refurbishment was announced along with a number of changes to Burnie’s arts and cultural venues in May of 2021. These included closing the remaining council-run facilities at Makers’ Workshop, and the sacking of 16 staff. The implications have been far-reaching.

The development of the new venue and regaining Burnie’s significance as a cultural centre, therefore, are issues inexplicably linked to the decisions made under the current leadership of the Burnie City Council.

VOTE! Ballots must be received by Tuesday 25th October.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK! Council are accepting feedback on the plans until 7th November.

Advocate article by Rodney Woods. 17th October 2022

Burnie alumni - pathways to success through the performing arts

Burnie is a fertile ground for learning the ropes in the performing arts. This year has seen no less than three talented artists who grew up in Burnie with their name up in lights, or featured in mainstream entertainment news.

Burnie actress Zima Anderson has had a starring role in the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours since 2019. Although the show has drawn to a close, Zima will go on to pursue her career further, no doubt building on the strong foundation and following she created during her time on the show.

Erica Wild is part of the small ensemble cast for the Rogers and Hammerstein Musical Cinderella, and recently got to play - you guessed it - the lead role of Ella! After stints in Sydney and Melbourne, the show is now on in Brisbane until September 3rd.

Justin Hazelwood is known to audiences as the Bedroom Philosopher. In 2018 he released his childhood memoir Get Up Mum. The book was then developed as a play, with performances at the Theatre Royal in Hobart earlier this year. YouTube clip of Get Up Mum

Diary Image: Zima Anderson being dressed by artist Donna Vo backstage at the 2016 Burnie Betta Milk Wearable Paper Art Competition, Paper on Skin. Grant Wells Photo.

The Burnie Arts and Function Centre’s theatre…. where many of our alumni had their formative experiences!

2022 Paper on Skin Award Winners announced

At a spectacular event at the paranaple arts centre in Devonport on the 17th June, 34 artworks from around the globe graced the catwalk before an enthusiastic audience.

At the end of the evening the winners of six awards were announced.

2022 PAPER ON SKIN AWARDS

$5000 Major Award: Kato, Kaori (JPN), Bilateral Relations

$2000 Honourable Roger Jaensch MP Runner-Up Award: Lissa-Jane de Sailles (AUS), Red Waratah Girl

$1000 Tasmanian Hearing and Implant Centre – Dr Kellie Walker’s Encouragement Award – for recognition of talent and to encourage pursuit of the artform: Voorpostel, Derek (AUS), In Honour Of Musashi (Ceremonial)

$1000 Award in honour of Pam and Neil Thorne – a special award which reflects the core concept of Paper on Skin, an idea conceived and developed by Burnie artist Pam Thorne with support from her husband Neil. This award is sponsored by Janet De Boer OAM: Oakes, Leonie (AUS), Listening to the night

Awagami Paper Award in Recognition of the use of Handmade Paper – a selection of Awagami Editioning papers to the value of over AUD$500 - recognising the use of handmade, artisanal and/or non-commercial paper: Bernard, Aïdée (FRA), Enlace #2

$500 Mayor of Devonport ‘Behind the Curtain’ Award: Howells, Mayhla (NZ), he karere ki nga atua i te rangi

Cocoon Designs Public Vote Award – Bernard, Aïdée (FRA), Enlace #2

Highly Commended

Howells, Mayhla (NZ), he karere ki nga atua i te rangi

Wheeler, Barbara (NZ), Wrapped

Vo, Donna (AUS), The heat is in our hands

Cios, Elzbieta (POL), Wearable sheets of paper

Kaori Kato (JPN), Bilateral Relations, Winner 2022 $5000 Paper on Skin Major Award. Grant Wells Photo

Paper off Skin Award Winners Announced

Announcing the inaugural Paper off Skin Award winners!

Temple-Smith Laywers (Linda Johnston Director) Major Award Winner $1500: Leonie Oakes (AUS) – Between the lines a story lies

Anita Dow Runner Up Award $1000: Morena Fortino (ITA) - Homage to Hieronymus Bosch

Emerging Inspiration Award $500: Erica Spitzer Rasmussen (USA) – Book of Sole

Mentorship in honour of Neil Thorne $1000 Our award donor increased this to x2 mentorships! Winners: Ruby Palmer and Elouyra Hoving

PLUS there is the One Agency Collins Real Estate People’s Choice Award. Make sure you visit the exhibition to cast your vote! *opening hours below

It was a wonderful and well attended opening. Thanks to everyone who attended on such a wintery night in Devonport.

So many more thank yous!

Grace Pundyk – Curator

Rick Eaves – opened the exhibition

Dave Mangenner Gough – MC

Venue Partners RANT Arts – assisted all week and were superb hosts for the opening.

The Paper on Skin team, especially Kym Bywater: Concept Originator Paper off Skin.

Paper off Skin is a component of Paper on Skin, which is presented in collaboration with the Devonport City Council and with the assistance of Arts Tasmania.

RANT Opening Hours:

Wed, Thurs, Fri 10am – 4pm

Leonie Oakes - Between the lines a story lies. Image: Bernie Carr

'Living Legend' Viktor Zappner awarded Senior Citizen of the Year - Burnie Aust Day Award

The Burnie Arts Council warmly congratulates Viktor Zappner on being awarded Senior Citizen of the Year at Burnie’s Australia Day ceremony.

Viktor is a long standing member of the Burnie Arts Council and has worked tirelessly for many years to bring national and international jazz musicians to the North West Coast for regular performances.

We wholeheartedly agree - Viktor’s contribution to the cultural life of our region is enormous and he is thoroughly deserving of this accolade.

Viktor is an entertaining speaker, and his acceptance speech was no exception. It can be heard in full here

Image of The Advocate newspaper taken during Viktor’s acceptance speech

President Lynne Price receives Life Membership to Cradle Coast Orchestra

Burnie Arts Council’s President, Lynne Price, has been awarded the great honour of Life Membership to the Cradle Coast Orchestra.

Lynne took up the violin as an adult learner in 1988, hoping to become proficient enough to join an orchestra.

When ready to take that step, she discovered that there wasn’t one in the North West.

In true Lynne fashion, she decided to start one herself!

During its 30 years, there have been numerous significant productions and performances, all of which Lynne has been an integral part of.

The gift given to Lynne on receipt of her life membership is a beautiful portrait by friend, fellow fiddle player, and orchestra leader, Josie Riches.

Congratulations, Lynne!

Portrait of Lynne Price by Josie Riches

Artists Create Very Special Wheelie Bins for Genius Junk

An important part of the Genius Junk project has been commissioning two artists to design and decorate a wheelie bin with an environmental theme.

Established Burnie artist Catherine Shield’s artwork is inspired by local areas which provide habitat for some of Tasmania’s native, threatened, and protected species. Catherine’s piece is on display at the Burnie Regional Library.

Using recycled materials, emerging artist Marion Kennedy has created a sandcastle on a cliff surrounded by ocean. Whilst the artwork provided Marion with the opportunity to repurpose her household waste, she also makes a statement about the rubbish which gets thrown into our oceans.

Marion’s wheelie bin is on display at the Business North West premises, shop 2/3 in the Plaza Arcade, Burnie. Alongside it is a powerful piece is by Libby Wilkinson. At first glance it is a pyramid of colourful fowler preserving jars. Upon closer reflection you will see that the pyramid is - literally - made from plastics and rubbish collected from local beaches. Libby’s extraordinary work made mainly from discarded waste can be seen on Instagram @libbyannewilkinson.

Diary entry cover page image: Catherine Shield’s designed and decorated wheelie bin.

L: Fowler Jars by Libby Wilkinson, R: wheelie bin created by Marion Kennedy

Artlands Conference 2021

Regional Arts Australia’s Artlands took place in Launceston from 1 - 3rd of September.

As described on the Artlands website ‘…Artlands is a strategic exchange that responds to emerging trends, discovers new ideas, considers adapted approaches and showcases artists as well as highlighting the creative and cultural sector across regional, rural and remote Australia.’

With assistance from RANT Arts and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts fund, Burnie Arts Council Vice President Lyndal Thorne attended the event, and was also a presenter.

Lyndal’s presentation focussed on the evolution of Design Eye Creative paper on skin, particularly in the context of Burnie’s cultural and economic transformation since the closure of key industries during the 1990’s.

It was a jam-packed few days filled with inspirational, thought-provoking presentations. There was a good representation of artists and arts workers from the North-West Coast present. The schedule provided ample opportunity for networking and debriefing between sessions. It was very affirming to see the connections being made and the intensity of discussions occurring around the morning tea tables!

Instagram image by Regional Arts Australia’s official photographer.

Top - Nathan Tucker from Rant Arts leads a discussion with a panel of young artists involved in the Soliloquy project. Middle - Lyndal’s ready for Day 3. Bottom - panel discussion about the TV show ‘Little J and Big Cuz’

Vale Neil Thorne

We sadly and respectfully acknowledge the death of Neil Thorne, one of our long-term members who was an integral part of the Burnie Arts Council Inc family. 8-12-1936 - 19-8-2021.

Neil was husband of 62 years to Burnie Arts Council Inc Secretary, Life Member, and Design Eye Creative ‘paper on skin’ Concept Originator, Pam Thorne. He was father to Vice President and current ‘paper on skin’ Coordinator, Lyndal Thorne. He is also survived by three other children - Tony, Stuart and Kelly, and four grandchildren.

Neil was a maker and handmade paper expert in his own right. He constructed molds and deckles, the frames used for making paper. It brings us joy to know that his handiwork is being used in studios throughout the country to create bespoke batches of this exceptional material so deeply embedded in Burnie’s cultural and industrial heritage.

Throughout the life of any project, Neil was a stalwart who showed up and did what had to be done to make things run smoothly.  In keeping with the low-impact, DIY and sustainable approach with which he and his family approached life, Neil was cared for at home by his family before and after death, and laid to rest in accordance with natural burial principles in his home-town cemetery on the edge of the Tarkine

Top image: Neil in his workshop (picture: Lyndal Thorne). Below images: Neil participating in Design Eye Creative ‘paper on skin’ 2020 - Grant Wells Photo

Burnie City Council Arts Restructure - First round of Public Consultation now closed

Burnie City Council have released a draft report of their vision for Burnie’s ‘new’ cultural precinct and refurbishment of the Burnie Arts and Function Centre. It was prepared by Hirst Projects and Michael Connell & Associates, and can be found here.

The report will form the business case which will then be prepared and presented to the Federal Government to gain approval for the repurposing of a $5 million dollar grant which was originally awarded for the building of the North West Museum and Art Gallery.

Community feedback on the draft report closed on the 31st of July. The information from the submissions will be collated by Burnie City Council staff and a report presented to councillors around mid-August. Amendments may be made to the business plan after councillors have discussed the report. General Manager Simon Overland has provided assurances to the arts community that the report will be made public.

Burnie Arts Council Inc President Lynne Price has made the following statement on behalf of the Burnie Arts Council:

For seventy five years Burnie Arts Council has nurtured, initiated and supported developments in this city and during that period Burnie has developed an enviable Arts Profile within the state. However through this current debate which to date has demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the community I cannot see how a Co-Creation Model imposed by Council could possibly work given the fact that we have seen the destruction of many hard fought achievements. In addition to this our members and other concerned citizens have had their intelligence questioned, generosity abused and vision destroyed.

FEEDBACK IN RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT REPORT - BURNIE CULTURAL CENTRE

The reports below are a very small sample of some of the thoroughly researched documents prepared and submitted for the first round of community consultation.

Burnie Arts Bounce Back Group - Download Submission

Burnie Historical Society - Download Submission

Peter Mercer OAM (founder of the Burnie Regional Museum) - Download Submission

A preliminary document by the Burnie Arts Bounce Back group was released on the 16th July outlining our initial areas of concern about the proposal. The document can be found here. The Burnie Arts Bounce Back group is an alliance of concerned citizens and representatives from Burnie’s cultural, arts, and heritage organisations formed at a public meeting which took place in the days following the council’s shock announcement.

The Advocate 29th July - Council’s ‘vague’ vision slammed by historians, artists - by Meg Powell

Advocate 16th July - Burnie Arts Bounce Back Group response to Cultural Centre Report - by Sean Ford

Advocate 15th July - Report on the First Public Information Session - By Sean Ford

Advocate 12th July - Analysis of Costings of New Centre - by Sean Ford

Burnie Arts Council's response to Burnie City Council's Decisions + Media Log

As a group broadly representative of the arts community of Burnie, we have been inundated with messages of concern and outrage since being notified of the decision by the Burnie City Council to close a number of their cultural venues (some permanently and some indefinitely) and cease management of events.

Our first major action was to hold a public meeting to hear the voices of the community. This took place at Europa Cafe on the 8th of May. It was extremely well attended. The unified voice was strong - people are incensed by council’s decision(s) and feel disrespected about the lack of consultation. Much of what has been built over many years regarding Burnie’s branding as the ‘City of Makers’ is now considered at risk.

From this meeting a group called Burnie Arts Bounce Back was formed.

Burnie Arts Bounce Back delivered a petition containing 1165 signatures to the Burnie City Council on the 24th May. Council responded to the petition at their monthly meeting on June 22nd. See page 119 of the Minutes which can be accessed here (go to the 22nd June, 2021 meeting)

A Go Fund Me campaign has also been established to assist with the process of amplifying the community voice around this issue. Burnie Arts Council will administer the campaign on behalf of the Burnie Arts Bounce Back group. Our first action with the Go Fund Me monies was to place an advertisement in the Advocate championing the strength of community concern about council’s decision (see below).

Please make contact via the email burnieartsbounceback@gmail.com if you have any comment, contribution or personal story of impact relating to the decision(s).

MEDIA

The Advocate 3rd May - ‘Council Slashes Services’

The Advocate 4th May - ‘Myopic Cultural Closures’

The Advocate 9th May - ‘Unheard Voices Galvanise’

The Advocate 12th May - ‘Petition Launched Against Burnie Gallery Closure’

The Advocate 13th May - ‘Supporters Flock to Council Petition’

The Advocate 24th May - Arts Group forms Human Chain for Petition Delivery

The Advocate 26th May - Mayor Defends Arts Cuts

The Advocate 27th May - Volunteers stunned by Closure of Creative Paper Tas & Visitor Info Centre

The Advocate 5th June - ‘Loss of Gallery Felt as a Major Blow’

The Advocate 19th June - Closure of Creative Paper Tasmania - New Chapter for Darren Simpson

The Advocate 23rd June - Council Rejects Petitions Calling for Reversal of Cost Cutting Decisions

ABC News

Martyn Agatyn 7AD/7BU Radio Interview 10th May (fixed dates for online replay)

Mike O’Loughin ‘Tasmania Talks’ Radio Interview 14th May (fixed dates for online replay)

Ruth Forrest, Member of the Legislative Council Independent Member for Murchison, met with Mayor Kons and Simon Overland 13th May. Summary here.

People Power!

Burnie City Council to Restructure Operations of Cultural Venues and Events

On Monday the 3rd of May, the Burnie City Council announced it will be closing the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Burnie Regional Museum, Creative Paper Tasmania and the Visitors Centre at Makers’ Workshop from July 1. The museum has not been reopened since it was closed due to COVID-19. The Burnie Arts and Function Centre will remain open until work on a refurbishment commences. The refurbishment will result in a unified facility housing the Burnie Regional Art Gallery and the Burnie Regional Museum, along with the Burnie Arts and Function Centre.

Burnie City Council will also be withdrawing from managing events. Across this suite of closures and restructuring, it is likely there will be around 20 jobs lost. Read more about council’s decision here

Burnie Arts Council Inc were shocked upon hearing this news. There was no consultation leading up to this decision.

On the 6th of May, Burnie Arts Council Executive Committee members met with Mayor Kons and GM Simon Overland. These are the key pieces of information received during the discussion:

*Council could not undertake consultation prior to announcing the restructure due to sensitivities relating to industrial relations issues 

*Neither the BAFC, gallery or museum will close permanently. While the museum and gallery will be closed from July 1 (the museum is already), the BAFC will remain open, but may have to close for a time during 2022 to expedite the renovations.

*the search for the Executive Director of the new, unified facility, will commence soon.

*A 3-week process of consultation with affected employees has commenced. At the conclusion of this more information will be released to the public about the long-term plan

*the process of implementing the long-term plan will involve community consultation

*proposed date for re-opening late 2022-early 2023.

*Due to this restructure, it is anticipated Council’s financials will be back in the black in 2-3 years.

*Simon Overland is open to meeting with anyone who has concerns. He said ‘That’s my job’

If you feel strongly about this news - pick up your phone and call a councillor. Unless you vocalise your thoughts, they will not be heard. All of the councillors have a mobile phone number available here

Double Award Win on Australia Day!

The Burnie Arts Council were recognised at Burnie City Council’s Australia Day Award Ceremony on January 26th, 2021.

Design Eye Creative paper on skin was awarded the Community Event of the Year.

Burnie Arts Council Vice President, Lyndal Thorne, was named Burnie’s citizen of the year for her services to the arts and role as Coordinator of Design Eye Creative paper on skin.

'Front and Centre' Program - 2021

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).

'Set me Free' Unveiled

Somerset artist Cynthia Hawkins has unveiled a striking 9ft sculpture titled Set me Free. The piece has been commissioned by Burnie Works, a program facilitated by the Burnie City Council which aims to bring the community together with a service sectors and local government to build a positive future for our municipality.

Cynthia’s brief for Set me Free was to create a sculpture which reflected the experience of lockdown in Burnie. It took four months to complete, with most of the work being completed late at night once Cynthia’s four young children were in bed.

It will be toured around local public venues in the coming months, commencing with the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, where it will be on display from February 2nd.

The sculpture is designed to prompt discussion, and viewers will be invited to provide feedback on their interpretation of the work. It is a complex piece, filled with stories, symbols and identifiable local features. Cynthia says that although everyone will see the work differently, it is the importance of community which shines through.

A short video clip of Cynthia talking about the piece and her artistic practice has been created by three young film-makers from Project O, who were present for the unveiling. The filming and editing process forms part of the mentoring component of the Arts and Screen Digital Production fund which Burnie Arts Council received to produce Design Eye Creative paper on skin 2020 - The Film. The film project was assisted by Arts Tasmania and Screen Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts.

‘Set me Free’ by Cynthia Hawkins - the unveiling event. Photo: Lyndal Thorne

Australian Museums and Galleries Association - National Award Shortlist included 'paper on skin'!

The exhibition of Design Eye Creative paper on skin which ran throughout the month of July at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery was recently announced as a finalist in the ‘Temporary or Travelling Exhibition’ category in the Australian Museums and Galleries Association annual MAGNA awards.

This is a wonderful achievement for Dawn Oelrich (Director) and her team at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery.

It is also testament to the participating artists who managed to complete their works and get them to Burnie by deadline during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Award winners were announced during an online event on the 28th October. Congratulations to all! Links to the winners here.