Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Artist Residencies Applications Open

MEDIA RELEASE

29 August 2017

Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali, has encouraged local artists to apply for the 2018 Blacktown Arts Centre Creative Residency Program.

“The program provides creative spaces and funding for artists wanting to explore their connections with people and places in Blacktown,” Mayor Bali said.

“We have a long and proud tradition of fostering artistic talent in Blacktown and the Creative Residency Program is one of the ways we do this.

“We recognise that creativity plays an essential role in building a united, dynamic and sustainable community.”

Recipients of this year’s Pat Parker Memorial Residency, Naomi McCarthy and Shirley Daborn, used their residency to collect and share the individual secret wishes of people in the Blacktown community through their project, Veil of Wishes.

The project invites people to contribute a tissue paper dandelion, along with a secret wish, culminating in an art installation made from the individual dandelion wishes.

“We don’t know what this project will reveal, perhaps the uniqueness of people’s secret wishes or perhaps the similarities,” Ms McCarthy said.

“We are excited to have the opportunity, through the lens of art, to encounter, experience and consider lives other than our own.”

The 2017 program offers space and funded residencies in the following categories:

·         Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Residency $5,000

·         Pat Parker Memorial Residency $5,000

·         Performing Arts Residency $5,000

·         Performing Arts Space Residency (free use of workspace)

·         Studio Residency (free use of workspace)

·         Without Borders Residency $5,000.

Applications for the 2017 Creative Residency Program close on Thursday, 14 September 2017.

Artists must enter online at www.blacktownarts.com.au. Full terms and conditions are available on the website.

Shirley Daborn and Naomi McCarthy Recipients of the 2017 Pat Parker Memorial Residency Photograph by Joshua Morris

ABOUT BLACKTOWN ARTS CENTRE

Blacktown Arts Centre is a recognised leader in the development of contemporary arts in Australia. We support artistic innovation and offer exciting, new experiences for audiences through an award-winning curated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops, residencies and events. We are committed to making dynamic, culturally diverse work that reflects Blacktown, its history and its communities. We place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities at the heart of our program to develop new work drawing on issues of local and global significance. This is how we make art.

CONNECT WITH BLACKTOWN ARTS CENTRE

Website blacktownarts.com.au

Email artscentre@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Address 78 Flushcombe Rd Blacktown NSW 2148

Phone 02 9839 6558

Opening hours

Monday Closed

Tuesday 10am – 5pm

Wednesday 10am – 5pm

Thursday 10am – 5pm

Friday 10am – 5pm

Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday Closed

People's Choice Artist Blacktown City Art Prize 2017 - 'Sima' - Media Release' Blacktown City Council

I knew that Black City Council had  Art Prizes but really heard nothing about them. Maybe  because I don't read local papers on this topic, normally.

I do think it is important that we recognise local talent in art within Blacktown Local Government Area. With thousands of artists around the world, there is so much competition and  probably little  recognition locally besides this awards.

I warmly congratulate  Blacktown City Council to do this. Maybe they can also do the same in 'Youth Art' as well,  judged from all artwork from schools around our area.

For Mount Druitt Artists,  I suggest  if you have talent enter  into the competition for next year.

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 February, 2017

Sima is Blacktown’s People’s Choice Artist.

Fly, a powerful and timely work by Seven Hills artist Sima Alikhani, has been voted the winner of the People’s Choice Prize in the 2016 Blacktown City Art Prize.

“This experience has rekindled the fire and the desire to continue my art practice,” said Ms Alikhani, who was a first time entrant in the Blacktown City Art Prize before.

“Fly has a strong message. This artwork portrays a woman passing through all barriers to get equality.

“This recognition motivates me to pursue my vision of being an inspiring individual by supporting women’s rights.”

“I appreciate the opportunity given to me by Blacktown Arts Centre and the community.”

90 artworks in a range of disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and ceramics were selected for exhibition by a panel of arts professionals.

The 2016 Blacktown City Art Prize saw a record number of votes cast for the annual People’s Choice Prize, with over 1200 people voting for their favourite artwork.

Visitors to the annual exhibition were asked to cast a vote at Blacktown Arts Centre or through the Prize’s own Instagram account @blacktowncityartprize.

Ms Alikhni will receive $1,000 as the winner of the popular vote.

The 2016 Blacktown City Art Prize is proudly supported by Ford Land Company, Westlink M7, Blacktown Workers Club, Atura Hotel Blacktown and Blacktown City Council’s Sustainable Living program.

Entries for the 2017 Blacktown City Art Prize will open in September. Join Blacktown Arts Centre’s mailing list at www.blacktownarts.com.au or like their Facebook page for updates.

INTERVIEWS & IMAGES

Image: Sima Alikhani, Fly, 2016

Sima Alikhani is available for interview.
Contact Jodie Polutele at Blacktown Arts Centre on 9839 6245 or jodie.polutele@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

Check Out These Youthful Christian Singers And Dancers!

A little bit of light entertainment and a great way to be enjoying a few minutes before heading home or going shopping! I wish there were hundreds of people watch them at Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt.

Click here for video

Violinist With A Cause To be A Busker In Mount Druitt

Today I was touched by a former resident of Mount Druitt, now living in a hobby farm outside of Orange NSW. I felt for him as he told of the reason why he was a busker in Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt.

Some  people had stolen all his sheep and he needs to feed his family. Shocking as it sounds of life we still have hard working farmers, not only finding the work  they do so hard - they have to deal with criminals among themselves.

Click here for Melvin Shereve's - the violin artist!

 Previously he had lived in Mount Druitt for 5 years and moved - now he is seeking charity for someone else that placed him in this position- I gave him some charity and so did others!