Exhibition Curation and Skills Development

Carnarvon, Western Australia

• Client: Shire of Carnarvon
• Stakeholders and partners: Gascoyne Development Commission, Gascoyne Arts Council
• Role of Artsource: Project Management: curation, installation, skills development training
• Outcome: Carnarvon Regional Library and Art Gallery official opening and exhibition
• Completion date: October 2013

The Shire of Carnarvon, in consultation with the Gascoyne Arts Council, approached Artsource regarding consultancy services for the opening of the new library and art gallery, set to become a new community hub. To celebrate the opening of the space and kick off the exhibition program,  the Shire collaborated with Artsource to undertake its first art exhibition, drawing from its own collection of artworks that were winning pieces in the Gascoyne Biennial Art Show over the past 30 years. There were also pieces from the collection of the Gascoyne Development Commission and members of local community. There was an official invite-only opening, at which Premier Colin Barnet and several Ministers were present, followed by a community launch the next day.

The Shire engaged Artsource to not only curate and install a professional quality art exhibition, but to provide valuable professional development in artwork handling, exhibition, and installation for Shire employees and members of the local community. Artsource also provided advice and resources on how the Shire might manage the space into the future. Carnarvon is a small, regional community, yet has many individuals with experience in the arts who, through Artsource delivered skills development, will be vital for the successful ongoing activation of the space.