Professional Development Series

This is a series of forums across the region addressing different areas of skills and resources for artists and others engaging in cultural activities. This project is being funded by Arts Upper Hunter Inc and Industry & Investment NSW. 
 

Speed Dating For Visual Artists - Meet And Show Your Work To Industry Professionals

Friday 2nd December, 6 – 9 pm at Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
Call for Expressions of Interest Closes 5 pm, Friday 18th November, 2011
24 Places Only
 

Background

Speed Dating For Visual Artists is a professional development and networking event pioneered by Arts Northern Rivers and adapted, in this case, by Arts Upper Hunter.
 

Purpose

The purpose of the event is not for artists to find gallery representation, though this is possible. Rather, it’s a chance to meet industry professionals and receive diverse, informed feedback on their work. It’s also an opportunity to network with other artists.
 

Industry Professionals

Michael Reid, Michael Reid Gallery, Sydney and Murrurundi
Damien Minton, Damien Minton Gallery, Sydney
Brad Franks, Manager, Muswellbrook Arts Centre
Peter Carlin, Haydon Hall, Murrurundi
Leanne Barrett, Director, Gloucester Gallery
Kim Blunt, Public Programs Coordinator, Maitland Regional Art Gallery

 

Expressions of interest should include:

5 images of recently produced works (small jpeg images max. 200kb).

1. A description of each work: title, date, medium and dimensions.
2. A biography. Can be dot point. (maximum 250 words)
3. An artist statement. (maximum 250 words)

Selection Criteria

Artists do not need to specifically address the selection criteria. However, those who best meet the following criteria will be selected.
 

1. Demonstrate a high level of artistic achievement.
2. Demonstrate a sound track record of, or potential for, commercial sale and/or public exhibition.

A curatorial selection committee will select the 24 participating artists. No correspondence about the selection will be entered into. Selected artists will be notified by Wednesday 23rd November.

Notes

Participating artists must live in the local government area of Dungog, Gloucester, Muswellbrook, Singleton or Upper Hunter Shire.

While most artists will find this event enjoyable and constructive, it may not suit everyone. Meetings with industry professionals will be short (5 minutes) and you may receive critical comments about your work.

If you are selected for the event, there will be a fee of $20 payable to help cover costs of the event.

Nibbles, snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the event.

For further information call Mark Reedman on 0409 382 509.
 

Email your expression of interest material to: rado@artsupperhunter.com.au
 

 

Setting up a Space - Are you an artist wanting to set up a workspace or member of a group of artists wanting to start a gallery? Don’t know where to begin?

 

The aim of this workshop is to show artists and community members interested in setting up an artist workshop or artists run initiative or gallery space. It will take participants through some of the key considerations in finding a space, management and use of that space, governance models and audience development strategies. It will look at the Gloucester Galley as a case study, and include a workshop, which will assist participants in producing a business plan.

Kim Hirst and Micaela Giffney from the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), and Leanne Barrett, director of the Gloucester Gallery, will present and facilitate this workshop. Kim and Micaela have worked for various arts organizations in Australia and overseas, and Leanne has been the director of the Gloucester Gallery for 3 years and previously the President of the Friends of the Gloucester Gallery.
 

Date: Thursday 14 July 2011
Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm (Registration is 10.15am)
Venue: Singleton Community College, 83-87 York St, Singleton
Cost: $25 inc GST
 

Download the registration form at the bottom of the page.

Putting on a Show - Project Planning and the Technologies of working with Council and Volunteers - Monday 4 April

This day is designed to cover the intricacies of taking a project from an idea to a reality. It will cover all aspects of project planning including insurance, permits, funding, dealing with artists etc... It is an opportunity to come together with other like minded people in the area and explore the potential for developing new cultural activities/programs at a local level. There will be a range of presneters and facilitators including Mardi Ryan Cultural Development Officer with the Newcastle City Council, Eloise Sinnott event management and local groups talking about their experience with setting up Pedalfest and the celebrations for the forth coming Centenary of the Railway in Dungog later this year.  

Date: Monday 4th April 2011
Time: 11am to 4.30pm
Venue: Baptist Hall, rear 4 Mackay St., Dungog 
Cost: $25 inc GST

Download the registration form at the bottom of the page.

 

Artists and the Internet - Getting your work out there and using new technologies 

Artists and the Internet - Getting your work out there and using new technologies. The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) will present a daylong workshop that explores the basics of marketing your art practice and developing new audiences. Marketing is the process by which you come to understand the relationship between your product and your customer. E-marketing is about using the internet to gain that understanding and connect to your customers. The workshop will include introductory sessions on marketing, copyright ( in particular for images), and the NAVA website followed by a session on setting up your own artist gallery on the NAVA visualarts.net website.  This will be hands on and people will be asked to bring their CV, artist statement nd images in digital format.

Date: Saturday 12th March 2011
Time: 11am to 4.30pm
Venue: 130 Liverpool St. ( Old Council Offices), Scone
Cost: $25 inc GST

Show me the Money

Make more money from your art.

Explore three sources of income: how to apply for gorvernment grants, foundations or trusts, as well as prizes and residencies; how to seek sponsorships and approach business for support as an individual artist; and how to secure donations through AbAF's Australia Culture Fund. This workshop is for all mediums; musicians, writers, visual artists, performers etc...

The forum will be presented by AbaF ( the Australia Business Foundation). AbaF is a national organisation which promotes private sector support for the arts by connecting artists and arts groups with people keen to participate in the arts; either by providing financial support or their skills and expertise in their own sector. AbaF is about helping people to make connections. They work with businesses large and small, arts organisations of all types, individual artists, trusts and foundations. They provide advice, professional development, volunteering and networking opportunities.

Date: Thursday 17 June
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Venue: Gloucester School of Arts  - Denison St., Gloucester
Cost: $25 inc. GST
 
 

Artist Business Workshop

Find out how to sell more work. Get media interested in your art.Find out more about how tax and insurance affect you. Spend more time making art, and less time working at other jobs.

Whether you work full time as an artist, or supplement your artistic career with other work, you can improve your knowledge and skills. The program will help you strengthen your business skills and build a sustainable art practice.

This practical workshop includes presentations by industry  experts, leading visual artists, gallery professionals and arts managers.

Date: Friday 23 July
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Venue: The Muswellbrook Arts Centre, Cnr Bridge and William St. Muswellbrook
Cost: Free

 

To book please print off the form below and post to Arts Upper Hunter,
PO Box 48 Dungog, NSW 2420.
Further information call 02 6540 1188 or 02 4992 1033