|
www.Artopia.net.au
discovering art, everywhere in WA
A FREE FESTIVAL CELEBRATING LIVING ARTISTS ACROSS WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Please note: Artopia will not be running in 2009. If any group would like to run the next Artopia, Artsource is happy to share the background information.
Artopia ran as a pilot project for 2 events in 2005 and 2007 auspiced by Artsource. In its inaugural year over 200,000 people visited the 200 artist studios, exhibitions and events across WA. The response by artists and visitors alike was overwhelmingly positive: "visionary and exciting", "absolutely fascinating". The 2007 event followed up with an impressive increase in numbers: 250 events, 2500 artists, incorporating artists taking up residency in offices and at mine sites.
The concept of Artopia is to invite us directly to the source of creativity; a biennial festival displaying the talents of local artists at regional and metro venues, across the state of Western Australia over 3 weeks in the spring. The free program was made up of Open Studios, Big Draw events, Exhibitions, Artists@Work residencies in city offices and at mining sites; tours, talks and distinctive events.
Artopia covered the full range of visual artists' practice including, but not limited to: sculpture, glass-making, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, drawing and painting, printmaking, installation, digital, light and photography.
The full 2007 program is available online at www.Artopia.net.au . The glossy full colour Guide detailing all events, was distributed for free, from participating venues, galleries, selected tourism outlets and cafes. Whether you decided to walk, drive or take public transport, you could look out for the Artopia signs, as some venues were really tucked away - in backyards and garages.
Everyone was invited to take part in the Big Draw at 12 locations across the State - no experience necessary - free events for all ages rediscovering the wonders of drawing!
Artopia was presented by Living Artists WA, a partnership of Artsource and The Association of Western Australian Art Galleries and is supported principally by the State of Western Australia through ArtsWA in association with the Lotteries Commission and the City of Perth. Principal media partners: 720 ABC Perth + ABC Local Radio WA, The Sunday Times Magazine. Major Partners: AdShel, Chamber of Minerals & Energy, Block Branding, Media on Mars, Faber-Castell, Tourism Western Australia, DriveWA. Project Partners include: Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Art Gallery of WA, Artrage, the Southern Art & Craft Trail and the Cities of Fremantle, Melville, Wanneroo and Stirling.
WA's Biggest Draw is part of Drawing Australia and the international program of the UK Campaign for Drawing. Artopia celebrates WA living artists as part of Celebrate WA Week 2007.
www.Artopia.net.au |
 |
