Art, science & culture collide in exhibition

It has been a remarkable journey nearly two years in the making, culminating in the creation of the inspiring Holdfast Art Project. The brainchild of local artists Jo Fife and Sally O’Connor, this multi-faceted arts initiative seamlessly blends creativity, scientific exploration, cultural appreciation, and environmental consciousness. Together, Jo and Sally envisioned a project that not only produced experimental and conceptual artworks but also fostered knowledge exchange with interested individuals and community groups.

The project’s inception involved a series of meetings that ignited a groundswell of interest, leading to the formation of a group of ten dedicated artists who became the backbone of this ambitious endeavor. To kick-start the project, Jo and Sally successfully secured $850 in seed funding, enabling them to apply for Regional Arts Funds and Limestone Coast Landscape Board Grassroots Grants. With more than $20,000 in funding obtained from various sources (see acknowledgements below), the project took flight.

The project’s creative process was both immersive and collaborative. It began with a seaweed excursion to Port MacDonnell, where contributing artists, guided by Boandik Elder Uncle Ken Jones, delved into their cultural backgrounds, explored algal profiles, and indulged in foraged foods like Kervala sorbet and samphire pickles, all while sharing stories and culminating in symbolic whale dances.

Community engagement workshops followed, drawing together two groups of 20 artists in the Port MacDonnell Community Hall. These artists, hailing from various regions, including Port MacDonnell, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, the Riverland, and Barossa, studied, drew, and painted algae collected from the foreshore. The creative journey continued with workshops focused on cyanotype printmaking, linocut plates, and dry point plates, sparking a flood of about 80 artwork submissions for the upcoming HOLDFAST ART PROJECT SALA EXHIBITION.

The exhibition is set to be a highlight, showcasing the depth and breadth of the project’s achievements. From the exhibited works, a selection will be chosen to adorn educational signage along the Port MacDonnell foreshore, making art an integral part of the community and tourist experience.

Excitingly, the project has also ventured into the realm of documentary filmmaking. Recently securing $6999.20 from the District Council of Grant and receiving additional support from the Mount Gambier City Council, the documentary film will shed light on the artistic and cultural journey of the Holdfast Art Project.

The community can look forward to engaging events beyond the exhibition. These include a talk by Zoe Brittain, a PhD student from Deakin University, on the Sustainability of Seaweed, a guided walk on Port MacDonnell/Ngaranga Beach with Zoe, and the launch of the Citizen Science Spotter’s Club. These events will further enrich the artistic experience for everyone involved.

The Holdfast Art Project would like to express its deep gratitude to the organizations and councils that made this venture possible. With support from the Australian Government Regional Art Fund, the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Grassroots Grants program, the District Council of Grant, and the City Council of Mount Gambier, the project has thrived and is poised to make a lasting impact in the region.

As the project’s grand finale approaches, anticipation builds for the upcoming exhibition at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre in April next year. This final showcase will demonstrate the tremendous effort and dedication that Jo Fife, Sally O’Connor, and the entire team have poured into the Holdfast Art Project since its inception in September 2021.

Outside the exhibition, the community will have additional opportunities to engage with the project through talks, walks, and the launch of the Citizen Science Spotter’s Club. These events promise to bring the project’s ethos of art, science, culture, and environment to a broader audience, inspiring a deeper connection with the natural world and each other.

As the Holdfast Art Project prepares to unveil its fruits of labor this Sunday at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex, there is a sense of pride and excitement among all involved, eager to witness the impact of this transformative artistic journey on the local community and beyond.