Artists, community groups and small business owners interested in creating art for public spaces are invited to SHED Talk 1: Navigating Public Art Commissions.
Join Surf Coast sculptors Grant Finck and Cinnamon Stephens alongside Wadawurrung mural artist Jenna Oldaker as they talk about how they got into public art and the different paths you can take to achieve your goals.
"Navigating the complex world of art in public spaces is always easier when talking to someone who has successfully done this before", Surf Coast Shire Councillor Gary Allen said.
"This session is a chance to talk to established artists about all the tricks and tips they have learnt through their experience creating public art.
"The Surf Coast arts community has achieved some wonderful public art works within the shire and further afield. We are very lucky to have Grant, Cinnamon and Jenna share their knowledge and expertise working with community to realise their vision and with local government processes, which can initially seem somewhat overwhelming for early career artists."
This session will look at the expression of interest process, permits and navigating the sometimes difficult language of public art procurement.
Facilitated by Kim Biggs, Coordinator, Surf Coast Arts and Creative Economy Team, attendees will also be able to talk to Nicky Angus, Surf Coast Shire Community Projects Officer and Harriet Gaffney, Arts Development Officer, about their ideas for public space.
SHED Talk 1: Navigating Public Art Commissions, with Grant Finck, Cinnamon Stephens and Jenna Oldaker
When: Saturday 16 March, 10am – 1pm
Where: Grant's Shed @ Firetail Studios, 450 Wormbete Station Road, Gherang (250m down Tanners Road from Wormbete Station Road)
Bookings: ShedTalk1:NavigatingPublicArtCommissionsBookings
No cost to attend this session.
Artists' bios:
Grant Finck, sculpture: Grant's public sculpture is aimed at describing a sense of identity and place. Through a process of research, consultation and design, he is able to identify key issues relevant to the communities he works for. He uses this information as inspiration to design sculpture that embraces the site and brief. Because of the direct reference to specific environments, his sculptures integrate into the communities they serve.@grantfinckartist grantfincksculpture.com
Cinnamon Stephens, sculpture and metalworker: Creating custom metalwork inspired by nature for homes, gardens and to wear, Cinnamon is a widely respected public artist whose work is situated in numerous public and private collections across the east coast of Australia. Cinnamon also offers a side hustle of art services for artists and art buyers in the region. cinnamonsart.au @cinnamons_art
Jenna Oldaker, visual artist: A Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Jenna expresses her deep connection and love for her Aboriginal culture, country and heritage in every piece she creates. Each work has its own individual story and meaning and educates others about Wadawurrung culture and country. Using mostly bright, contemporary colours to create unique and detailed works, Jenna is largely inspired by the traditional marks and symbols of the Dreamtime and Wadawurrung country itself.
