Freshening up Backspace

CALLING all regional artists of all types! The Art Gallery of Ballarat have opened applications for the chance to exhibit in its Backspace program.

The initiative seeks to provide an emerging artist at the beginning of their career an opportunity to exhibit in a professional gallery along with all necessary support.

Art Gallery of Ballarat’s director Louise Tegart said the exhibition space presents a vibrant program which showcase contemporary art, craft and design and celebrates the region’s talent.

“We’re providing support within a professionally managed gallery so you’ve got a team of professionals to provide the selection of works, installation, marketing support to support the artist to get the best result for the exhibition,” she said.

“It’s really for artists who want to take that next step.

“From the last time that we did the call out when Backspace was still in the old space and part of our intention was about providing a higher level of visibility for artists.”

Currently taking submissions for 2021 and 2022 exhibition slots, Ms Tegart said while there are criteria to consider when applying, they primarily hoping to showcase exciting and bold works.

“The criteria that we use when looking at the proposals includes where the artist is in their career, the quality of the work, the spread of exhibitions throughout the year and whether someone is wanting to tie in with a particular external event,” she said.

“It doesn’t have to painting or drawings, we’re open to any media and encourage people to be imaginative and have a go.”

In conjunction with the city’s other two creative initiatives, Unicorn Lane and Art Space, Ms Tegart said it’s important to the Gallery that creativity from the region is celebrated and emerging artists are encouraged.

“What we’ve done over the last couple of months is worked closely with the Arts and Culture unit at council to make sure that there’s clear pathways for artists,” she said.

“We don’t want to just be bringing in work from outside Ballarat into the gallery, we want to be helping sustain artists and creatives within Ballarat.

“It is unusual for regional galleries to have this community space but it’s a really important thing to us to provide those key pathways and professional development for artists as well.”

To submit a proposal before the closing date of 14 March, complete with images, visit artgalleryofballarat.com.au.