Stage 4 - Overview
Celebration & Community
This stage is the culmination of the three previous stages. It is the moment where artists and arts organisations connect with their broader community through presentation of diverse artworks in diverse locations - regional, metro and online. Initially, the works are premiered to 14 different communities across all 9 regions during July-October 2022. Selected works are then presented in a number of Perth venues in mid 2023.
Stage 4 results in a replicable, scalable and sustainable framework for an ongoing Regional Arts Triennial (AKA the Bush R.A.T.). The project’s extensive network of partners will co-design and test the model through implementation of the inaugural event, providing foundation for future iterations to increase scope, scale and impact.
The Triennial provides a significant promotional platform for contemporary regional art practice, positioning the unique voice of regional experience and creativity central to the State’s cultural narrative.
Proposed activities
July – Dec ’22 (Regional presentation)
• 9 locally developed group exhibitions presented in 9 regional venues, artworks could include film, sculpture, textiles, painting, poetry, prose, photography etc
• Lead Curator tours with John Curtin Gallery (JCG) Director to participating regional exhibitions to select works for metro-based survey (JCG)
• 5 locally developed small-scale performances presented in 5 regional venues. Artworks could include spoken word, dance, comedy, circus, small-scale theatre, puppetry etc.
• Lead Producer tours with Presenting Partner (Still TBC, currently in negotiation with CircuitWest) to select works for metro-based survey (venues TBC)
• 14 catalogues/programs/publications produced and distributed
• 14 regionally based public programs (eg artist talks, workshops, school incursions)
May-June ’23 (Metro presentation)
• 1 metro-based exhibition showcase (at John Curtin Gallery)
• 1-5 small-scale performances at metro-based venues
Benefits / Impact
Stage 4 provides an opportunity for the sector to collaboratively design and test a pilot model for an ongoing Regional Arts Triennial. It is not a one off, isolated event, exclusive to one community or region. It is an investment in the long-term development of artistic and cultural vibrancy in the regional arts sector as a whole.
The mentorship pathway ensures that skills gained as a Mentee can be reinforced and passed along as knowledge when Mentee becomes Mentor in the next iteration (a handing of the baton along). This style of learning is experiential, personalised and strategic. Each iteration builds upon the previous. It targets the unique strengths and challenges of each given community and individual practitioner. Where possible and relevant it utilises the expertise of those already working in the region.
Through this network of support, artsworkers and organisations not only access professional development they enjoy exposure to new platforms of promotion that enhance their future viability. Selection for exhibition at John Curtin Gallery or presentation of a performance in Perth will enhance any CV, connecting artists to new markets will open doors of opportunity not readily available in regional communities.
Short-term paid contracts offered to participating curators, producers and presenting organisations will support creative industry employment in the regions. 100+ artists and performers will be paid for development and presentation to regional, metro and digital audiences.
For info about other project stages
