Studio Program

Here art is not ‘taught’. Instead, people are encouraged to find their own artistic voice and to pursue themes of personal interest and meaning. Even where individuals produce work of differing styles or subjects, such as scribbling or figurative imagery, the works retain identifiable characteristics that are consistent and clearly attributable to a particular artist, over time becoming recognisable as a signature.

The foundation of the studio program comprises 2D art forms; predominantly painting and drawing.

Artsworkers will offer encouragement, advice and assistance where necessary. Intervention is kept to a minimum and there is a strong respect for the autonomy of each artist and their work.

Work is carefully stored and evaluated before being either reserved for exhibition and archiving or returned to the artists.

At present there are 150 artists in attendance spread over each week in the studio at Arts Project Australia. A core group attend the studio 3-5 days per week as well as others who attend as little as half a day. The studio philosophy is to support the individual direction of each artist with a strong respect for personal process and decision making.

Other areas of artistic pursuit in the studio are:

 

Animation

An animation program was initiated in 1996, and is the first program of its type in Australia! The animation program explores the moving image. The process on animation is a slow one and requires creativity and ingenuity along the many steps from inception to completion.

Much of the program builds on the artists working knowledge of technology, of how films and special effects are created, and developing and adapting these skills to the realm of animation. So far, we are seeing works created in a variety of genres and formats such as drama, comedy, music videos, horror and soundscapes. Unlike many other programs involving new technology, the artists in the animation program maintain full control over their work and are completely responsible for the style and content of their productions. The results are an exciting amalgam of sound and visuals.

Many thanks to ACFE and IFS for supporting this program.

 

Sculptural Ceramics

The ceramics program is enjoying its new residence here at 24 High Street. The program operates one afternoon each week and has been a part of the studio program for ten years. There have been a number of ceramic exhibitions over this time held in Arts Project Australia’s gallery, and a number of works which have been involved in external exhibitions.

There are 7-10 artists participating in the ceramics program at any one time. Each artist explores their own themes within the medium supported by an arts worker who gives technical advice and some artistic support. The ceramic firing is at present out-sourced although Arts Project Australia is in the process of setting up a kiln for firing at its new premises. Some of the recurring themes which seem to arise in the ceramics program are animals, dwellings, vessels and abstract tablets.

 

Printmaking

The print making program has been running at Arts Project for many years, and for a period of time used the facilities and expertise of Australian Print Workshop. The studio artists are currently having the rewarding experience of making a series of prints with artist and professional printer Marieke Dench.

The print making program covers many techniques including mono printing, linocuts and etching. Studio artists have the opportunity to learn how to process and proof their own individual blocks/ plates. They are also learning how to mix a variety of coloured inks to create intriguing, intimate and exciting print works. With this program at Arts Project Australia’s new premises, we endeavour to offer this rich artistic medium to many of the artists involved in the studio.

 

3D and Construction

Inspired by the studio artists, 3D has invented itself organically over time as an exciting form of expression and a new medium within the studio. Supported by the arts workers and using various mediums such as timber, wire, found objects, soap stone and more, the potential is proving to be limitless!

 

Outreach Program

Where it may not be possible for groups or individuals to attend the studio in Northcote, Arts Project Australia runs a range of outreach programs in a variety of venues. The first of these took place in 1990 at Linden Arts Centre in St Kilda, and since then other programs have been held in Training Centres and Neighbourhood Houses.

A program is currently being run on a weekly basis at Plenty Residential Services which focuses on ceramics and woodwork, in addition to the core program of visual arts. Many thanks to the Department of Human Services for supporting this program.

 

RMIT Life Drawing

Arts Project Australia’s association with RMIT began in 1988 when participants from the studio workshop program first attended tertiary art classes at the School of Art and Design.

Currently two people from our studio, accompanied by an artsworker, participate in one of the weekly life drawing classes held in the Fine Art Drawing Department. The opportunity to work in a different environment and to encounter other people dedicated to artistic pursuits has proven to be a valuable experience for those involved and has resulted in some extremely exciting work being produced.

The benefits in this situation are by no means one-way, as other students in the class come to appreciate the fresh and inventive approach shown by the people from Arts Project.

 

The Supported Employment Program

Arts Project Australia’s advocacy of the right of people with an intellectual disability to pursue careers as practising artists has received formal recognition from the federal government through the funding of a supported employment program.

Under this scheme, individuals from the studio workshop, who have an established record of showing and selling their work are assisted to pursue careers as visual artists.

Individuals are effectively self-employed, deriving income from the sale of their work. Support is provided in areas such as promotion and marketing, which, due to the nature of their disability, many people may find difficult to negotiate.
This program has had considerable success.

Artists have been selected for inclusion in major art prizes and shows such as the prestigious Moet & Chandon Travelling Exhibition, featured in leading art magazines, exhibited in mainstream commercial galleries and had their work purchased by private collectors and public institutions both here and overseas.