2013 Cossack Art Award

Roebourne, Western Australia

• Client: Archipelago Arts
• Stakeholders and partners: Shire of Roebourne & Rio Tinto
• Role of Artsource: Project Management: Curation, Installation, Professional Development Training
• Artists: Caspar Fairhall (artist in residence)
• Outcome: 2013 Cossack Art Award Exhibition, Events and Public Program
• Completion date: September 2013

Since 2010 the Shire of Roebourne, Principal Partner Rio Tinto, Archipelago Arts and Artsource have worked together to deliver the Cossack Art Award. This iconic Pilbara event has been an important part of community and arts in the region since its inception. Through Artsource and Archipelago Arts’ commitment to best practice in exhibition installation, artwork handling, public program and events management and  community development and mentorship, the profile of the Award has risen steadily over the past few years with major achievements in the delivery, coordination and curation of the project.

2013 was an exciting year, focusing on professional development for local community members. Artsource Consultancy worked with our Rio Tinto sponsored Regional + Indigenous Program to deliver a program of artist talks, including 2013 artist in residence, Caspar Fairhall. The team also facilitated the engagement of professional artwork installer, Paul Caporn, and Indigenous curator, Carly Lane, to assist with installation. With Carly’s help, head curator Tabitha Minns also delivered a two day professional development workshop focusing on curation, artwork handling and installation. This program represents the shared commitment of all four organizations to develop professional arts-related skills in communities. Other ongoing achievements have been the delivery of a comprehensive public program, including community workshops and education programming, improved sponsor communication, and increased national media coverage of the Award.