Creative Spaces Overview

Creative Spaces provides a holistic platform upon which to develop, implement and monitor a series of programs targeting the activation of spaces and environments outside of the gallery facility to conduct arts and cultural programs, activities and projects. It is the aim of the Creative Spaces program to undertake the activation of collaborative partnerships through identified opportunities that support, promote and enhance the cultural capacity, creative economy, cultural experiences and engagement opportunities for artists, artsworkers, organisations, individuals and visitors to the Townsville region.

The formative steps of this program have been taken in 2012/13 through discussions with a number of key stakeholders and organisations about the potential of increased creative use of available spaces. Gallery Services has also investigated possibilities to integrate art within council’s own facility assets, and this endeavour began close to home with the establishment of The Galleria—a high-visibility community exhibition space that was activated in 2012/13 at the Riverway Arts Centre foyer.

Strand Ephemera is another key project that falls under the Creative Spaces banner, and substantial effort has gone into the development of the exhibition and associated programs for delivery in late 2013. Over 70 high quality applications were received from artists by Gallery Services. While the exhibition doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate all of the works, this terrific response ensures a high quality of works is included from local and national artists.

The artists selected to participate in Strand Ephemera in 2013 are:

• S.A.Adair

• Jo Anglesey

• Steve Campbell and Donna Foley

• India Collins

• Sarah Emily Kate

• Marion Gaemers

• Naomi Gittoes

• Erica Gray

• Lynnette Griffiths

• Michelle Hall, Jo Lankester and Robert Crispe

• Joy Heylen

• Jan Hynes

• Ralph Knight

• Ian Loiterton

• Hugh Martin

• Alison McDonald and Stephen de Jersey

• Annee Miron

• Geoff Overheu

• Chandra Paul

• Schleuter Rainer

• MJ Ryan Bennett

• John Stanley

• Gabi Sturman

• Elizabeth Tillack, Julie Bruce and Sue Valis

• Sue Tilley

• UnitingCare Community

• Adriaan Vanderlugt

• The Winged Collective

• La Luna Youth Arts

• GhostNets

Creative Spaces

Gallery Services will also partner with various organisations, such as Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, Artspaced, ABC Open, to deliver ‘fringe activities’ coinciding with Strand Ephemera. These considered collaborations strengthen the local arts sector, and contribute significantly to the vibrancy of the region by; enabling external organisations to benefit from increased participation through association and joint-marketing with an exhibition of national regard, and by also ensuring visitors to the region during Strand Ephemera are aware of the vast array of high-level arts and cultural activity available for their enjoyment, not only on The Strand, but throughout the city.

A further partnership has been formed that will see James Cook University’s School of Creative Arts host and facilitate the much-loved Public Art Symposium that will close Strand Ephemera proceedings. This partnership utilised both organisations areas of specialisation to ensure the best result for the audience. These include Gallery Services’ ability to attract relevant and regarded speakers such as Professor Steffen Lehmann, PhD, Michael Parekowhai, and Richard Brecknock, and JCU’s thorough understanding of and ability to co-ordinate and host peak educative forums and events.