Studios open for creative conversation

CONTEMPORARY artists within the RAT Artspace collective are opening their studios to the public across the city this month.

The initiative is led by Diokno Pasilan, who will welcome people into his Soldiers Hill space.

“Because of lockdowns, it’s been a while without much activity. We thought it would be nice to reconnect, open our studios and visit each other, and have the public in to see our studios and talk about our work,” he said.

“It’s basically just a way to engage with the community and share our art, in the hope that the art community will grow.”

Stuart Walsh’s studio in Ballarat East was open last weekend, showcasing his street art including “politics, violence and aerosols,” and sculptures amongst a party atmosphere.

“Australians always look to everywhere else for art and think everything here’s just crap,” he said.

“Towns have an amplified version of the cultural cringe. Towns look to the cities, and cities look to the northern hemisphere.

“There are local artists making work here in Ballarat, and we want to show people what we’re up to. Each event will be like a small gallery opening.”

Scott Fredericks, Studio on the Flipside, Duds, Jimi Gregg and Pete Gregg will also have spaces open over coming weekends.

RAT Artspace launched as a not-for-profit five years ago, with their first exhibitions at the former Ballarista cafe. Since then, more than 100 shows have been presented.

“Any money made goes straight to the artists,” Pasilan said.

Works will be available for sale. Visit instagram.com/ratart_space for more information about times and locations.