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Arts Project Australia
Janet English sits with her bass guitar on her lap in the Arts Project Australia studio while artists draw her portrait.

Janet English visits Arts Project for portrait sitting

Arts Project was delighted to have beloved Oz music icon Janet English of Spiderbait and Happyland fame visit for a portrait sitting with our artists.

A regular visitor to the APA studio,  Janet shares how she came to discover APA and what keeps her coming back.

 

How did you find Arts Project Australia?

I heard some people in the radio talking about an amazing exhibition they’d seen and I checked out the website. I started following from afar for a while, watching all the great work when I saw an invitation for a workshop there [at the Collingwood Gallery]. So I signed up keen to come and be amongst such talented artists. It was really inspiring.

 

What do you love about visiting Arts Project Australia and what brings you back? 

The studio is such a joyous place to come into. It feels like a safe, welcoming, creative hotpot. I just love watching the different interpretations everyone brings to their work. The staff are so supportive and the artists’ dedication is so infectious.

 

We loved having you in the studio for the sitting, the artists had a great afternoon hanging out! Did you have any stand out moments from the day?

My sitting was a hoot. I got asked some curly questions and it was hard to stay in my pose when we all got chatting. I’ve been in life drawing classes at uni but I’ve never seen such great interaction with the model before. There were technical questions about my choice of guitar, favourite bands, knowledge of Scandinavian heavy metal, sock preferences, and mode of transport, just to name a few.

 

You’re well known for your music, what people might not know is you also enjoy making art. What similarities do visual art and music making have for you? 

Making art and making music are both such great creative, expressive outlets. I get a buzz when a song comes together from a spark of an idea. It can be so elusive sometimes and other times it just flows out. I think visual arts can give you that same buzz or it can punish you. The process of any creation is so exciting whether music or art.

 

You’ve been a great supporter of Arts Project since you discovered us, why do you think APA is important to the Australian arts sector? 

APA is such an important resource for the whole community. This is a space empowering people with disability to find expression and reach their creative goals.

It means that everyone can participate in the creative process equally and the greater community is richer through that participation.

Janet English with APA artists (left to right) Anthony Romagnano, Cathy Staughton, Samantha Ashdown, Rakhi James and Will Murray.
Janet English with APA artists (left to right) Anthony Romagnano, Cathy Staughton, Samantha Ashdown, Rakhi James.
Outsider Art Fair 2024

Arts Project Australia will return to Outsider Art Fair New York in 2024.

APA artists Alan Constable, Anthony Romagnano, Alvaro Alvarez, Paul Hodges and Ruth Howard will be represented by Sonia Dutton (Dutton Gallery) at the Metropolitan Pavilion from 29 February – 3 March.

Founded in New York in 1993, the Outsider Art Fair is the original art fair concentrating specifically on self-taught art. Over the years, the parameters of Outsider Art have expanded dramatically to include art made by a wide variety of art-makers who share this common denominator of raw creativity. Outsiders come from all walks of life, from all cultures, from all age groups.

Arts Project Australia would like to thank Sonia Dutton for her ongoing support of APA and our artists.

For more information and to purchase tickets please click here.

Lisa Reid holding her ceramic work in the Arts Project Australia studio

Arts Project Australia artist Lisa Reid has been announced as a recipient of the Australian Tapestry Workshop’s 2024 Artist in Residency Program.

The ATW offers artists and craftspeople working in any medium, the chance to broaden their practice in our world-renowned residency program. Each year, Artists in Residence immerse themselves in the vibrant ATW studio – exchanging knowledge and skills with tapestry weavers and engaging with local communities through public programs including talks, hands-on workshops and exhibitions.

Lisa Reid is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist working in ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, and digital media. Buoyed by meticulous attention to detail, Reid is inspired by notions of family, home, and childhood memories. In her work on paper, Reid lovingly references old family photographs, her observational yet self-reflective work documenting and capturing the dream-like sentimentality found in reflecting on the past. In her extensive ceramic practice, Reid recreates vintage appliances and objects, drawing from the archive of memory, each piece rich with the history of the artist and her family.

Reid has worked as an artist in the Arts Project studio since 2002 and held her first solo exhibition Lisa Reid: The Devil’s in the Detail at Arts Project Australia in 2015. She has exhibited in numerous group shows, including Painting. More Painting, ACCA, Melbourne; Renegades: Outsider Art, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, Swan Hill; Sit Down, Shut Up and Watch, Film & New Media Festival, Adelaide; and Everyday imagining: new perspectives on Outsider art, Ian Potter Museum of Art, The University of Melbourne. Her work is held in numerous public collections including the National Gallery of Australia and National Gallery of Victoria, as well as private collections worldwide.

Sue Roff and artist Michael Trasancos are seated at a desk inside the Arts Project Australia studio.
Sue Roff with APA artist Michael Trasancos Northcote Studio

After 14 years of dedicated leadership Sue Roff is finishing up as Executive Director on Friday 15 December. Sue has guided the organisation through exceptional triumphs and challenges and leaves the organisation in a peak of excellence.

Dear Arts Project friends and supporters,

It has been an incredible privilege to work with the APA staff and artists and I have too many highlights to name, having seen first-hand our talented artists thrive and grow in their arts practice, achieving recognition nationally and internationally.

While this is farewell as the Executive Director, it is by no means the last of my connection having built so many enriching relationships I cherish. The APA artists and staff are some of the funniest, kindest, and most dedicated and insightful people I have had the pleasure of befriending.

In thinking about how to best continue to support the extraordinary work we do at APA, I recently joined the APA Creatives donor program and am very much looking forward to being involved with APA as a Gallery Hopper in 2024.  I would like to encourage all of you to make your own gift – large or small.

Without the support of our donor community Arts Project simply couldn’t exist in the way it does. Donations of all sizes have helped us achieve so much over the years; allowing us to buy and renovate our building, invest in new equipment like the kiln, and present free artist-led public programs at our gallery where artists are paid to share their creative talents with our patrons.

I am delighted to leave this organisation in the hands of our new Executive Director Liz Nowell, who has already made wonderful connections and brings and incredible wealth of knowledge and passion with her to the role. Together with the highly skilled team on board the future looks bright for APA.

Thank you so much for being part of our community. I wish you a relaxed and joyful festive season, and I look forward to seeing a new chapter unfold for Arts Project in 2024 and beyond.

SUE ROFF
Outgoing Executive Director

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Artist Julian Martin drawing in the Arts Project Australia Studio
Liz Nowell, Credit Natalie Piserchio
Liz Nowell, incoming Executive Director Credit Natalie Piserchio

Arts Project Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Nowell as its new Executive Director, effective 4 December.

Nowell will be succeeding Sue Roff, who has served the organisation for the last 14 years.

“The appointment of Liz Nowell on the eve of APA’s 50th anniversary signals an exciting new chapter for the organisation. Liz’s vision and ambition for APA will build on Sue Roff’s wonderful legacy and propel APA as we reach for new horizons. Liz is a highly respected and well-regarded cultural leader and this, along with her national and international experience will be an enormous benefit to APA’s extraordinary artists, our staff and the growth of our organisation as we bounce out of the COVID years.”

Virginia Lovett, President of Arts Project Australia

Liz has over 15 years of experience as a curator and cultural leader in Australian and international contemporary art. She has held leadership positions at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE), Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia, and most recently the Institute of Modern Art (IMA), where she was Executive Director from 2019 – 2022. She is passionate about creating inclusive and diverse spaces in the arts and is excited to contribute to the growth and success of Arts Project Australia.

“A decade ago, I had the privilege of collaborating with Arts Project Australia, and since then, I have closely followed their imaginative, rigorous, authentic and visionary work. For nearly fifty years, Arts Project’s has advocated for, worked alongside and supported the development of artists with intellectual disabilities, and it is hard to think of an organisation more cherished by the arts community. I am thrilled to build upon such an extraordinary legacy and lead with a strong and ambitious artistic vision that centres neurodiverse voices in contemporary art. I look forward to working closely with studio artists, their families, the dedicated team, Board and supporters in shaping this next chapter in Arts Project Australia’s story.”

Liz Nowell, incoming Executive Director

Liz has curated and commissioned several important exhibitions including Rainbow Serpent (Version): Daniel Boyd (IMA, Brisbane); The Violet Ballet: Sally Smart (Adelaide Festival for the Arts, ACE, Adelaide) Yhonnie Scarce: Missile Park (co-curator, IMA, Brisbane and Australia Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne); and Next Matriarch, co-curated with Kimberley Moulton (ACE, Adelaide and Koori Heritage Trust, Melbourne). Prior to working as an Executive Director, Liz held curatorial positions at the Brooklyn Museum, Hazelhurst Regional Gallery, and Tandanya – National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. She is the recipient of a New Work Grant (Early Career), Early Career Residency Grant (both Creative Australia), a Dame Joan Sutherland Foundation Grant and in 2018 was recognised by InDaily as one of 40 under 40 business leaders in South Australia. She joins APA directly from her time as a resident at the International Studio and Curatorial Program, New York.

Arts Project Australia Board and Staff are delighted to welcome Liz and look forward to working with her.

An illustrated map of Melbourne by Arts Project Australia artist Miles Howard-Wilks. The map highlights Miles' favourite snacks along the city's train lines.

APA is excited to announce that Miles Howard-Wilks’ will be taking part in the State Library Victoria’s Window on Collections: Modern Maps.

 

“A map gives you a glimpse into how people understood and interpreted their world at the time of creation; with personal experiences at the heart of the work, no map will look the same.”

The State Library Victoria collects a broad range of maps primarily focusing on Victoria. However, Australian and international maps also form a significant part of the collection in reflecting our place within the broader national and global context.

Led by Sarah Ryan – Senior Librarian Victorian and Australian Collections – join us for an evening of presentations by three local creators of modern maps, including APA’s Miles Howard-Wilks to learn more about the craft and their interpretation of the world.

Miles Howard-Wilks will present at this event through a pre-recorded video presented by Arts Project Australia.

This event can be attended in person and virtually. Bookings are essential.

For more information and to secure your ticket please visit the State Library Victoria website.

 

Film by Lesley Pinder

Sue Roff and artist Michael Trasancos are seated at a desk inside the Arts Project Australia studio.

Sue Roff has announced she is stepping down as Executive Director of Arts Project Australia (APA), Melbourne’s flagship supported studio for artists with an intellectual disability.

Sue will leave the role in December 2023 after 14 years of committed leadership.

‘On behalf of the Arts Project Australia Board, I want to thank Sue for the energy, creativity and vision she has brought to the role,’ said Virginia Lovett, President. ‘She has led the organisation through numerous changes and the most challenging of times. Through all this APA has emerged stronger than ever.’

‘I have greatly enjoyed working with Sue, and seeing her passion, dedication and creative vision in leading the organisation from strength to strength. Through her time at APA she has built its profile and artistic integrity, while maintaining financial stability in turbulent times.’ Lovett said.

Sue’s tenure has been marked by a focus on developing meaningful collaborations and partnerships with contemporary artists, curators, galleries and institutions. This has strengthened APA’s profile as a leader and innovator in the arts and disability sectors, for which it has been recognised with numerous awards and accolades including the 2020 Melbourne Awards Arts and Culture Champion.

Sue has driven a strong increase in fundraising and philanthropic support for APA over the years, and a recent highlight was the announcement of four-year funding from Creative Victoria, firmly cementing APA as a leading Victorian arts organisation.

Lovett said, ‘COVID gave us the opportunity to connect with audiences in other ways, as we went online and virtual. Sue and her team quickly pivoted to provide daily online studio sessions and weekly online exhibitions, keeping artists engaged and actively continuing their art practice, while sustaining vital income for the organisation. I want to thank Sue for leading the organisation through this challenging time. She is leaving us well set up to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024 locally, nationally and internationally.’

‘Most of all, Sue has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the career development and support of Arts Project’s artists, who are the bedrock of all we do.’

She added: ‘We will have plenty of time to celebrate Sue’s many achievements in the months ahead. In the meantime the APA Board and I offer her our thanks and appreciation.’

Sue will leave the role at the end of 2023. Recruitment will begin shortly to secure a new Executive Director for Art Project Australia.

Arts Project Australia has partnered with ABC TV to feature artworks by a number of APA artists over two episodes of Art Works.

Hosted by Namila Benson, Art Works is the ABC’s weekly half-hour arts show sharing the most inspiring, surprising, and formative ways that Australian creatives are telling our stories today.

Arts Project Australia will feature as part of the episodes screened on  Sunday 11 June and Sunday 18 June 2023.

 

Spring1883 Art Fair 9-12 August 2023 The Hotel Windsor

Arts Project Australia returned to Spring1883 in August 2023 for a fourth hotel room intervention

In 2023 APA presented a collection of expressive and tactile works that speak to notions of fondness and endearment.

Responding to Room 230, Objects of Affection included work by emerging, mid-career and established artists, reflecting upon the diversity of practices and interests of APA’s artists. The presentation featured works that provoke feelings of tender attachment, exploring the bonds we make in life with objects, both animate and inanimate, and the spirited connection that lingers long after. Included in the collection were paintings, drawings, photography, soft sculpture and ceramics.

Participating Artists:

Alan Constable
Katherine Foster
Lionel Grijalva
Cameron Gresswell
Bronwyn Hack
Adrian Lazzaro
Joanne Nethercote
Chris O’Brien
Daniel Pace
Georgia Szmerling
Rebecca Scibilia
Mark Smith
Terry Williams

Spring1883 is a young and exciting hotel-based art fair that draws on the traditions of the Gramercy Park Fair, New York to present the best of contemporary art practice from Australia and New Zealand in a luxury setting.

Anthony Romagnano Familia Missoni 2022 pencil on paper 50 x 70 cm AR22-0049

Arts Project Australia is thrilled to announce that Dutton New York will be representing APA artists, Anthony Romagnano and Alan Constable at the 2023 Outsider Art Fair.

Outsider Art Fair, the only fair dedicated to self-taught art, art brut and outsider art, is pleased to announce details for its 31st edition, taking place March 2-5, 2023 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan and featuring 64 exhibitors from 28 cities in 8 countries, with 12 first-time exhibitors. This year’s fair will feature a collaboration with the Birdsong Project, and a solo exhibit of paintings by Paul Laffoley.

About the Outsider Art Fair:
Founded in New York in 1993, the Outsider Art Fair is the original art fair concentrating specifically on self-taught art, presenting works by acknowledged masters such Henry Darger, Bill Traylor and Aloïse Corbaz, as well as living artists like George Widener, Susan Te Kahurangi King, Dan Miller, Shinichi Sawada and Luboš Plný. Quickly recognized for its maverick spirit, OAF has played a vital role in nurturing a passionate collecting community and broader recognition for outsider art in the contemporary art arena. In 2012, Wide Open Arts, a company founded by gallerist Andrew Edlin, acquired the fair. Propelled by its immediate success in New York, a Paris edition was inaugurated in October 2013, helping to reinvigorate that city’s long tradition in the art brut field.