Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

LOCAL ARTISTS TO OPEN THEIR STUDIOS FOR MACKAY FESTIVAL OF ARTS

An exciting new art tourism project involving about 150 artists has received Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) backing.

The 2023 Mackay Art Studio Trail is a pilot project for Artists Connect Inc that is set to launch in late June for the Mackay Festival of Arts.

According to RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann, up to 150 participating artists will open their studios and galleries to visitors by appointment and some will offer art workshops in their studios.

“A central location will also be established as a hub for participating artists to initiate residencies, rolling exhibitions, drop-in public conversations, workshops and community and business collaborations,” Cr Mann said.

“The committee were very supportive of the project and were happy to approve $12,628 to help Artists Connect Inc deliver this exciting initiative,” she said.

Cr Mann said another exciting project to receive funding this round ($5594) was the Waste and Weeds program, co-designed by Deadly Weavers and ATSICHS Mackay.

“As part of this program, Deadly Weavers will be facilitating six, weekly mixed media workshops covering weaving, eco-dyeing, mark making and sculpture.

“A really exciting element is that participants will be utilising materials and plant matter which would normally be destined for landfill,” she said.

“Participants, who will include First Nations men and Elders, will be given a small budget to purchase materials from the Paget Tip Shop and they will also use collected green waste.

“At the end of the program, a four-week exhibition of works produced during the workshops will be held in Jubilee Community Centre throughout NAIDOC celebrations in July 2023.”

Also receiving funding to the value of $12,610 was the Eungella Arts and Crafts Fayre which is returning after a very successful inaugural event in 2021.

This event is a celebration of ancient and traditional arts and crafts.

The day will include traditional dancing, musical instruments and songs, art and craft workshops, various stalls, a Viking village, lantern parade, demonstrations, children's activities and natural healing.

All up, 13 projects were supported to a total value of $85,659.

From left, Shelly Coakley (Wetlands Walkabout) with Deadly Weavers Auntie Frances Johnson, Auntie Jenny Binsiar, Merrileen Towler, Mellisa Taggart, Felicity Chapman, Kathy Cave and Kimberly-anne Egan

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