Down The Track - July
AS WE JOURNEY towards whatever “new normal” may be, the Central Oz arts community remains nourished and connected.
By Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts
We’ve already seen creatives of all kinds sparkling with ideas of intimate events and projects after COVID offered the time and space to reconnect with old lovers, like cooking and film. Now, as restrictions lift, people are sharing these lovers in a socially-distanced orgy of creativity and community.
Commercial galleries that had been temporarily closed are slowly starting to turn the lights back on. RAFT artspace is one that had moved online but is now excited to once again present work in the flesh. Director Dallas Gold explains that, while the online world is handy, “it’s important to present work in the context of the region it was made”. In July, catch solo show, Cave Hill by Tjungu Palya artist, Angkaliya Curtis. Curtis has created an impressive suit of work, rich and expressive, that is definitely worth checking out.
Elsewhere in town, The Alice Prize at Araluen exhibits throughout the month featuring local artists’ work, including renowned artists Grace Kemarre Robinya, Sally M. Nangala Mulda and Doris Thomas from Tangentyere Artists.
As for grassroots orgs, it’s clear that they’ve used this time carefully and strategically to reassess, reimagine and reboot. Some orgs, such as GUTS Dance, chose not to move solely online given “so much of [their] work happens through the meeting of bodies in space,” explains Co-Director Madeleine Krenek. Nevertheless, the flourishing org has a jam-packed month with public classes back on, Alice Can Dance workshops kicking off, and the development of new work by local and interstate choreographers. Yep. Jam. Packed.
Central Craft have been all-systems-go as they prepare for the Australian Ceramics Triennale, which they’ll host in 2022. This month, they’ll also undergo building renovations, participate in the school holiday program at Anzac Oval and present an exhibition by Tapatjatjaka Arts. There’s also Gabriel Curtin’s solo exhibition, A River And A Voice Shouting Above It, opening at Watch This Space. This is an intriguing installation with a “greenhouse-meets-office-foyer” vibe, says the artist. Curious? So are we.
8CCC is another organisation that’s been working spectacularly hard. The community radio station has collaborated with various community orgs, re-shuffling planned micro festivals, redeveloping their website to provide more resources and services to the community, developing an extensive volunteer program – the list goes on! 8CCC’s dedication during this unprecedented time has been impressive to say the least, and it’s exciting for our NT community who reap the benefits of all this amazing work. If you’re in Alice or Tennant (or elsewhere because, remember, website development!) keep your tuners on 102.1fm.
It seems that, despite everything, the Centre is still busy and blooming this July.
Find out what's on in the Red Centre by visiting the Red Hot Arts website.
Photo: Frankie Snowdon of GUTS Dance teaches for Alice Can Dance.
By Pippa Samaya
