CONTEMPORARY artists within the RAT Artspace collective are opening their studios to the public across the city this month.<\/p>\n
The initiative is led by Diokno Pasilan, who will welcome people into his Soldiers Hill space.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of lockdowns, it\u2019s 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s basically just a way to engage with the community and share our art, in the hope that the art community will grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stuart Walsh\u2019s studio in Ballarat East was open last weekend, showcasing his street art including \u201cpolitics, violence and aerosols,\u201d and sculptures amongst a party atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralians always look to everywhere else for art and think everything here\u2019s just crap,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTowns have an amplified version of the cultural cringe. Towns look to the cities, and cities look to the northern hemisphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are local artists making work here in Ballarat, and we want to show people what we\u2019re up to. Each event will be like a small gallery opening.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scott Fredericks, Studio on the Flipside, Duds, Jimi Gregg and Pete Gregg will also have spaces open over coming weekends.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny money made goes straight to the artists,\u201d Pasilan said.<\/p>\n