Get Tactile
Calling all creatives … applications for the 2023 Tactile Arts exhibition and Artist in Residence (AIR) programs are now open!
By Kate Conway
Proudly the longest-running residency in the Northern Territory, the hugely successful program attracts applications from high calibre local, interstate and international artists. And 2023 is set to be an exciting, special year, as Tactile Arts celebrates 50 years.
With capacity to accommodate up to six AIRs across the organisation’s ceramic, print and jewellery making studios, artists are fully supported throughout their tenure.
“We provide the space for them to work in, then the exhibition is hosted by Tactile Arts and we work with the artists to curate if they need, provide support along the way, and also provide the opportunity to earn a bit of an income by tutoring workshops,” says Tactile Arts General Manager, Tessa Duke.
Whether used as an opportunity to experiment with new techniques and ideas, or focused time to build a body of work, the residency is a mutually beneficial experience for both the artist and the thriving local community.
“When people come and work in the studios they are immersed in the creative community, and it can be really beneficial for people to form those networks and connections with other artists, as well as our general member base that come in frequently – the flow of benefit goes both ways,” says Tess.
This cyclical transference of skills is a celebrated, core pillar of the program, and for any prospective applicants reading this, one way you can make your application stand out in the highly competitive process.
“We do usually have more applicants than spaces, so we like to see what sort of benefit there could be to the community as well as them as an artist, considering not only their own progression but what can be learnt on a larger scale.”
If you’re an artist looking for a nurturing, supportive and creative environment to call home, get your application together and reap the benefits of this fantastic opportunity to hone your craft with Tactile Arts.
WHEN WED 31 AUG APPLICATIONS CLOSE
INFO tactilearts.org.au
Thumbnail & inset: Annie Gastin and Tactile Arts Artist in Residence, Jo Victoria, 2021
