The Fraser Studios Project aims to make creative use of the
vacant warehouse in an effort to contribute to “the unique creative and
cultural spirit which is a defining feature of the Chippendale community”.
Ten local artists have been selected to participate in the
first three-month residency.
As demolition concludes on the Carlton-United Breweries site
in Broadway, the chosen few, hailing from painting, sculpture, photography,
digital arts, installation and design backgrounds will share common living and
work space in a three-storey heritage building on Kensington Street.
CEO of Frasers Property Dr Stanley Quek says interest in the
location had been overwhelming.
“We are delighted that through this initiative Frasers can
help Sydney
artists find space in the inner city,” Mr Quek said. Frasers Property hopes the
studios will inspire local artists to produce work that can be featured in the
future development of the site.
“Free studio space in the city!” exclaims Sumugan Sivanesan,
an established video and sound artist. Having worked in a tight-knit community
in the Chippendale area for a number of years, he confirms that many Sydney artists are
competing for limited space, audience and exposure.
Sumugan Sivanesan believes: “the biggest challenge is to
make the space and time to think and develop, as well as finding some kind of
niche or community to provide the necessary encouragement and support.”
Tasmanian-born artist Mai Long is looking forward to
developing two major works for charity events such as the Sydney Children’s
Hospital and the WAYS Youth Services Art Auction.
While Mai is eager to work and collaborate with likeminded
people, she is keen build a new creative community.
“I will be working with media and methods relatively new to
me,” she said. “I would hope to establish meaningful rapport with [my peers].”
Multimedia artist and key member of the UnCollectable
Artists collective, Diego Bonetto is taking a different tack.
Hailing from Redfern, he is mostly interested in the
politics of space in “the real estate junkie
City of Sydney”. As a result, he hopes to create a
“botanical portrait of the Chippendale area” by creating a temporary Greenhouse
in the Fraser Studios.
“My personal practice… revolves around the understanding
of human’s dependency on their own ecological surroundings.”
Sam Chester, co-manager of Queen Street Studios hopes that
the Fraser Studios will motivate other big property developers to invest in
future art initiatives.
“Our main concern at the moment is: will the model for the
project work?” she said.
Other participating artists are Zehra Ahmed, Zanny Begg,
Gareth Ernst, Rudy Kistler, Anna Kristensen, James McCallum and Jessica Sutton.
Source: www.alternativemediagroup.com/ThreadView.aspx?tid=9882#post_9882