Friday, July 30, 2010

KIng Island Cultural Centre Residency Program

King Island Artist Residency Program:

At the western entrance to Bass Strait lies an idyllic place known as King Island. An island rich in history, with shipwrecks, lighthouses and jagged reefs, bountiful with long stretching sandy beaches and lush green pasture. From our little paradise we produce some of Australia's finest natural foods for which we are probably best known including beef, cheese, crayfish & abalone, yet there is more to this 64km long by 27km wide stretch of land than first meets the eye.

King Island’s unique vistas have inspired many artists. The art and crafts offered create wonderful images of the natural beauty of King Island: sea, rocks, boats, light, birds, wildlife and the marine and pastoral industries.

King Island is extremely fertile with a mild maritime climate. Native flora and fauna abound due to the isolation of the island and lack of natural predators.
King Island’s climate is one of moderate temperatures with a reliable rainfall that supports an outstanding agricultural industry. However, in the infamous Roaring 40’s gales, winds frequently reach over 100kms per hours.

King Islands natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and relative isolation appeals to artists seeking an idyllic, inspirational environment to work in.

The island has a small but active core of artists whose work strongly reflects the island culture and landscape and a community that is intrigued and supportive of the arts including collaboration in community arts projects.

Residencies allow particular opportunities for artists to experience the character of a place of great depth, culminating in a diverse range of rich and vibrant art interpretation specific to people and place. They are accepted from across Australia and around the world with artists either self funding their residency or supported by funding from their state or country of origin.

Tasmanian artists can apply to Arts Tasmania: www.arts.tas.gov.au/individuals. Applications are for Self Directed or Natural and Cultural Residencies.

Who can apply: The Artist in Residence Program is offered to professional practicing artists nationally and internationally, from any recognised art form including, but not limited to, painting, music, performance, sculpture or writing.

Studio/working space and accommodation is available at the King Island Cultural Centre adjacent to the Currie wharf, a working fishing port.

This provides:
· A one bedroom self contained furnished accommodation
· Studio with northern light
· A scenic and inspiring location
· Access to Currie CBD and other services
· Heating, electricity and running water
· Internet access.
· Phone card can be purchased locally for landline calls.

Phones and Internet: There is only Next G reception on the Island. Mobile Phones with Next G can be hired.

Residents are responsible for purchasing all food and supplies and transport on the island.

For more information about King Island, how to get here, current events and car hire follow the links to King Island tourism. http://www.kingisland.org.au/

Residency Rental fee is $140/week.

Artists are encouraged to stay for 4-5 weeks to get the maximum benefit from the residency.

It is important that residents use materials and methods that do not damage either the natural environment or the accommodation.
For more information about residencies on King Island please contact the Cultural Centre Coordinator.

Sally Marsden
Cultural Centre Coordinator
Arts and Cultural Officer, King Island Council
King Island Cultural Centre
PO Box 147
Currie
King Island
TAS 7256
Email: smarsden@internode.on.net
Phone: (03) 6462 1924
http://www.kingislandculturalcentre.blogspot.com/