Ashfield's current artist in residence is Jack Randell
Jack hails from the central west New South Wales town of Geurie, near Dubbo and will be in Ashfield from 1 July 2010 to 25 September 2010. His work is around landscapes and includes film, painting and drawing. Jack is also an active member of the 'Fresh Arts' which is an innovative regional artists network. During his residency, Jack will hold exhibitions of his own work, showcase the work of the 'Fresh Arts' collective, facilitate art workshops and a series of 'Business for Arts' information sessions with local artists. The 'Business for Arts' sessions are being held in response to a need expressed by local artists to help them to develop the business side of their arts practice. There will also be open studios so that people can visit Thirning Villa and watch the artist work. For more information please contact Anthia on 9716 1866 or email anthiah@ashfield.nsw.gov.au. You may wish to visit the artist's website www.fishdog.com.au or the Fresh Arts website www.fresharts.com.au
What is the Artist in Residence Program?
The Ashfield Council Artist in Residence Program is an unique initiative where Ashfield Council hosts a practising artist for a residency at the historic Thirning Villa in Pratten Park. Ashfield provides a rich environment for the artist to develop meaningful cultural exhange. During the residency, which is usually a minimum of three months, the artist assists Ashfield residents to express their aspirations through the arts. A range of opportunities for community involvement are offered and may include workshops or classes, open studio, artist talks at the Villa, in schools and nursing homes, as well as demonstrations and performances. Each program is developed in consultation with the artist and so will differ with each residency.
Often the artist will hold an exhibition at the conclusion of the residency.
The Artist in Residence program commenced in December 2003 when Bourke artist, poet, musician, story teller, Andrew Hull and his family came to stay at Thirning Villa for three months. During this time, Andrew ran workshops for children, attended adult workshops to further his own art practice and generally immersed himself in the cultural experience of living in Ashfield. He is one of many artists who have come from far and wide to take up this wonderful opportunity.
Each year, Australian rural and regional artists are invited to investigate their practice in Ashfield. In 2007 the program was extended to international artists. This progression highlights the value of such an opportunity where an artist can practice their artistic discipline away from their usual environment. The residency suits artists who practice in disciplines including visual and performing arts, writers, musicians, craft and design and film.
With the assistance of an advisory group made up of local residents who are practising artists or have an interest in the arts, Ashfield Council appoints artists on a regular basis to work with the community to further the artistic strengths in the Inner West.
General Information (951.00 KB)
Selected artists for 2010
Luiz Carlos de Farias Franca (Baba) - Late September 2010 to March 2011
What an exciting program this Brazilian artist is offering when he arrives in late 2010. Baba plans to run painting and clay workshops for adults and children. He will also create a community dance and music show called 'Kangaroo Bumba'. Let's hope that this production will be ready for the Carnival of Cultures.