The newly created Ipswich Art Workshop will launch a pilot program to support, develop and grow the region’s arts sector.
To do this Ipswich City Council is seeking expressions of interest to develop a program of events and activities that will assist in evaluating how best the space can be used.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Ipswich Art Workshop was established in the space where Jamie’s Kitchen once was, in response to the passionate feedback from the city’s vibrant creative community.
“The vision for the new space is that it will become a place where creatives can nurture their ideas, host captivating classes, participate in enriching masterclasses, and most importantly, forge connections within the Ipswich arts community,” Mayor Harding said.
“With this space, we have an opportunity to grow and enhance the cultural landscape of our city. If we want to enjoy the arts in Ipswich it is vital that we support our artists at the concept stage.”
To help build the first six-month program council is asking creatives to submit proposals under four categories:
- Artist in Residency
- Deliver classes and workshops
- Host meetings and gatherings
- Other suggestions
Mayor Harding said visual artists and art workers of all mediums were welcome to apply—painters, drawers, printmakers, ceramists, and everyone else in between.
“We have a sizable creative community in Ipswich and this program will help generate opportunities for them to create, develop and showcase their work,” Mayor Harding said.
“For some this will present an opportunity to earn income by presenting their work to the public, while for others it could be a chance to exchange ideas in a collaborative, supportive, creative environment.
“The creation of this space could prove to be a pivotal moment for the local arts scene. The first group will have a chance to set the tone and atmosphere for how the space is used, they have a chance to let their imagination run wild.”
A key plank of the six-month program will be offering residencies to local artists for three to four weeks where they can have access to the main space from Monday to Friday.
There will also be a scheduled program of classes and workshops designed to align with Ipswich Art Gallery and Ipswich Community Gallery exhibitions, while ad hoc masterclass workshops will be organised to enhance the skills of local artists.
Applicants are encouraged to attend a special ARTiculate workshop to support their applications on Sunday 21 April.
To make an Expression of Interest to be part of the pilot program visit: http://www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/creativeindustries/ipswich-art-workshop