LOUD Gallery Edition: Different But The Same

SPECIAL GALLERY EDITION

Your guide to the brand new look Depot Galleries in 2017

Different But The Same 1

Map of new gallery layout for 2017 (not to scale) by Robyn Gibson.

LOUD Gallery Edition #2: Different But The Same Cover by Erin Forsyth Rhizome: a continuously growing horizontal underground stem which puts out lateral shoots and adventitious roots at intervals.

All content Š Depot Artspace and the respective artists, 2016 For magazine contribution, comment or criticism contact Linda (09) 963 2331 or linda.blincko@depotartspace.co.nz 2

DIFFERENT BUT THE SAME: THE DEPOT GALLERIES RESPOND TO CHANGING TIMES Over the past three months we have undertaken our most significant review of the galleries. The Galleries have been a feature of the Depot along with the rehearsal space, recording studio and employment initiatives since the Depot was established in 1996.

The changing environment at many levels and the fiscal challenge of maintaining the current model was the background to this review requested by the Depot Art and Music Space Trust Board. Key factors considered in this review were: • • • • •

• • •

The change in demographic of Devonport since we opened 20 years ago.

Reduced demand for exhibitions and spaces.

Other opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work.

Transient art exhibitions (art fairs, charity exhibitions, auction houses).

Sources of grants for projects and events are less available and arefor smaller amounts consuming considerable time to apply for.

Static Local Board funding for past five years.

Increased demand for recording studios.

The development of innovative initiatives that have demonstrated significant potential to engage audiences through presenting the ‘socially conscious’ and ‘culturally aware’ dynamic of the Depot.

The galleries have been subject to reviews periodically and in the past this has resulted primarily in different configurations and initiatives. This review has identified a way ahead where significant changes give space for new initiatives, increased opportunity for exhibitors and audience to view and select work and a flexible exhibtion space for exhibitions.

DEPOT GALLERIES RESPOND TO CHANGING TIMES We live in continually changing times and the Depot is accordingly responsive as it develops initiatives that continue to support artists while maintaining its own presence as an innovative and inclusive creative community. The changes to these galleries, listed below, will take place from 25 February 2017.

Background and Environment: Now in its twentieth year the Depot Artspace has seen and withstood significant change, continuing to thrive by remaining vigilant, adaptable, responsive and innovative. These characteristics have sustained it through the vagaries of life, first as a significant community identity in a small North Shore city, to a fragment in the Auckland megalopolis where small is rendered largely invisible. Although Council stresses the importance of community in its Unitary Plan, after six years it has yet to give form to the declaration.

Invisibility is also an aspect of some significant social issues and trends whose implications for this and the wider community are far-reaching. As a socially responsible creative environment the Depot continues to play a necessary part in responding to issues such as poverty, homelessness and suicide through its exhibitions, publications and events.

3

In relation to the creative sector, the nature of the art world is also changing. Galleries are no longer the only source of art sales and as choice increases, particularly with the growth in the secondary art market, and the disposable dollar declines in a rampant housing market, sustainability for both artists and galleries is another substantial challenge.

We live in a world of significant social change which the Depot must adapt to, address and steer a course through, all the while remaining responsive to its community. Its emphasis will be directed to developing sustainable opportunities and new initiatives which ensure accessibility and inclusiveness. This will involve increasing artist involvement as well providing opportunities for greater community participation. In these times the Depot and its community need to find the middle ground between sustainability and survivability, whilst continuing in our quest to celebrate the arts and support the community.

To this end the following changes will take place:

The Art Room The Art Room will be a new gallery/sales/retail space occupying the area behind the main gallery and providing some great exhibiting opportunities which the Depot has not previously offered its visual artists. Like Pocket Gallery, but with more wall space, The Art Room is a curated gallery showcasing original high quality art work including painting, illustration, prints, photography, and carving. The works will be selected through a simple submission process. Further details, including application forms, will be available.

Image: Artwork on display in Depot Artspace Creative Director Linda Blincko’s office.

4

Main Gallery The Main Gallery will be reconfigured and reduced in size. It will still have the capacity to accommodate a significant body of work or group exhibitions and can also be divided into two spaces for smaller complementary shows. Criteria that represent the Depot’s primary principles of inclusiveness and accessibility remain as part of the application process. The Depot will also continue to initiate Members’ exhibitions along with others that offer opportunities for participation and engagement.

We are anticipating a diverse programme of exhibitions, and with the inclusion of a new exhibiting initiative, The Art Room, we also look forward to building ongoing, meaningful and mutually rewarding relationships with our artists.

Pocket Gallery Pocket Gallery has been successfully exhibiting the works of artists and craftspeople for a year and will remain just as it is, offering high quality art and object at affordable prices to discerning purchasers. Contact Emma for further information or a proposal form: emma. badeia@depotartspace.co.nz The changes to these galleries will take place from 25 February 2017 and proposal forms will be on our website www.depotartspace.co.nz Proposals for the Main Gallery and Pocket Gallery can be submitted at any time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any further questions: chris.cudby@depotartspace.co.nz Image: Depot Artspace Members’ Exhibition.

5

The Vernacular Lounge The Vernacular Lounge will now occupy the Small Dog Gallery. Formerly situated at the back of the Depot, the Vernacular Lounge is an intimate living room which sheds a light on the influences that shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s evolving and distinctive cultural identity as defined by its art, architecture, literature, film and other cultural forms. In a contemporary, globalised context the vernacular is an even more important component of the Depot’s raison d’etre.

Here’s what UNESCO has to say about this phenomenon: ‘While fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life. The importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next.

The social and economic value of this transmission of knowledge is relevant for minority groups and for mainstream social groups within a State, and is as important for developing States as for developed ones.’

While not a dedicated gallery, The Vernacular Lounge will accept proposals from those who wish to undertake an exhibition, event or installation that references or responds to its theme of exploring, debating or representing the evolving vernacular of Aotearoa.

Events and exhibitions in the Vernacular Lounge have included tributes to Don Binney and Ralph Hotere, an exhibition of vernacular architecture and a history of peace protests in New Zealand. They have explicitly or implicitly explored the question; in the midst of diversity, is there an elusive quality, a ‘national identity’, which binds us all?

Contact Linda Blincko for details of the Vernacular Lounge: linda.blincko@depotartspace.co.nz

Image: Vernacular Lounge at the Depot Artspace.

6

Depot Artspace continues to support the creative community through its existing initiatives most of which have been integrated into the Depot over many years and which will remain essentially unchanged:

Depot Sound Depot Sound, established in 1996, will continue to support the local and wider music community with affordable high quality recording. The studio will also focus on collaborative projects with Depot Galleries, such as the NZ Music Month 2016 exhibition and video showcase Seen & Heard, and with other community and business groups to remain accessible and develop long term sustainability.

Since Depot Sound’s redevelopment in 2015 and with its increasing popularity, musicians and equipment often spill out from the recording studio into Verge gallery, so to accommodate this we are transforming Verge Gallery into a comfortable space for musicians to relax between takes. The new studio lounge will also show images and video of the studios history for gallery visitors to enjoy.

ArtsLab ArtsLab (formerly PACE, Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment), established in 2002, is a creative, innovative and effective professional development and career guidance service for artists across all sectors. It continues to provide career guidance, job search support, mentoring and professional development, with the outcomes of employment, self-sustainability and a more resilient creative economy.

ArtsLab recognises the value of creative people to the economic, cultural and social fabric of New Zealand.

Depot Press The Depot has been involved in independent publishing since its early days, beginning with its quarterly publication, LOUD, dedicated to the creative activities of the Depot community. This has extended to numerous publications which continue to celebrate community and to further explore and discuss the components that comprise Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural identity. https://nzculturalgenealogymapping.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/depot-press-catalogue-2015.pdf

Cultural Icons Cultural Icons is a series of interviews with iconic New Zealanders who have shaped the arts and culture landscape of New Zealand. It features the histories, stories and experiences of some of our most significant visual artists, architects, writers, musicians, composers, actors, arts commentators and philanthropists. www.culturalicons.co.nz Each of these initiatives continues to evolve and new services are continually established in response to the community and to the changing environment.

7

JOIN

8