Art & About – Free Space Studio
Situated in the creative hub that is Darwin Community Arts, the Free Space Studio (FSS) was established in 2013 by Amina McConvell and Brenda Logan, creating a much needed and dedicated accessible visual arts studio in Darwin. Off The Leash had a chat with creative producer McConvell about this one-of-a-kind Darwin organisation.
What is the vision and core values of FSS?
To continue to push for increased studio access for artists with disability and to create opportunities for disability-led visual arts productions and publications. The FSS takes its core values from The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability and these include respect, non-discrimination, inclusion, equality and accessibility.
How many artists are involved with FSS?
We currently represent 19 artists.
What programs do you offer?
We run facilitated visual arts workshops in a range of mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, T-shirt design, mosaic and craft projects. In addition to structured projects, artists use the studio space to develop their own works and independent projects.
How many exhibitions do you hold each year?
In addition to an annual group exhibition of new work by FSS members, we produce publications and support our artists to participate in art prizes, to exhibit in contemporary spaces, and to undertake solo exhibitions.
What sets the FSS apart?
FSS is the only dedicated accessible visual arts studio for people with disability in Darwin.
What's coming up for FSS in 2017?
Getting busy making new work in the studio! We are working on a thematic project this year called 'Talking To The Future' and we have a pop-up exhibition on this theme this month. Also, one of our artists, Annie Moors has her first solo exhibition at BLAK DOT gallery in Melbourne in November - very exciting!
How can artists and the public become involved with FSS?
The FSS workshop programs follow the NT schools calendar, and we take new enrolments at the start of each school term. People can also volunteer as studio assistants – we love volunteers!
INFO Darwin Community Arts, 16 Malak Crescent, Malak | 0416 453 012 | artsaccess@darwincommunityarts.org.au
The 2017 NT Arts Access Awards – Sat 24 Jun
Thumbnail image: William Mareko
Banner image: Joanne Van Roden
