Collaborating now for the future

CREATIVES are pairing up to share their experiences and responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the City of Ballarat’s Be Kind – Be Creative initiative, four online collaborations are being commissioned, showcasing the talents, styles and mediums of eight artists, as they explore teamwork and the challenges of social distancing.

Poet and spoken word performer, Nathan Curnow and detailed drawer, Kim Anderson are the first small group set to create together. Art Gallery of Ballarat director, Louise Tegart said their, and each commission, will be shown in the space next year.

“We are excited to be commissioning new work by Ballarat artists that will speak directly to what it means to be in Ballarat at this time. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is committed to supporting regional artists and creativity,” she said.

“The project starts with the premise that there was a world before the COVID-19 crisis and a changed world will be evident afterwards. The exhibition will be of great interest to our community when the crisis has subsided.

“The commissions allow us to economically support Ballarat’s creative practitioners across a wide range of genres, from music to poetry, ceramics and visual art.”

City of Ballarat mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said activating local artists is an economic and cultural investment which will document the current climate for future review.

“The city’s cultural response provides an opportunity for everyone to be able to add their creative voice to something greater, and to demonstrate our compassion and care for others,” he said.