CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE: NAHRAIN

Nahrain is the name given to the area of the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, two of the major waterways in the Middle East. This contemporary art project examines how river systems shape geography, history and culture, by stitching together a narrative about identity.

The project directly grew from community consultations–where residents derive from 150 different countries and over 50% speak a language other than English–and over a two year period artists and cultural practitioners discussed which structures inform contemporary Australian cultural identity; explored common links and disparities between Eastern and Western cultures; documented the lives of people during times of historical significance and political upheaval; and critiqued how war and industrialisation affects waterway health.

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre developed new audiences for Nahrain through a comprehensive and diverse exhibition presentation and its public and education program which provided ethno and language specific tours, workshops and primary, secondary and tertiary school visits.

CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE: SUBJECT TO RUIN

Subject to Ruin, was a contemporary art exhibition exploring destruction, degradation and disaster in everyday society. Providing a platform for reflection, experimentation and free speech, Subject to Ruin did not represent a dystopian view, but recognition of destruction as necessary for growth and progress.

The project trialled a new curatorial model to encourage an inclusive and well-rounded exhibition planning and development process, resulting in a multi-faceted exhibition which negotiated curator responsibilities, and challenged artists and audiences to reveal vulnerabilities and prejudices.

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) commissioned five new works, hosted three artists-in-residences and received four artwork donations for the Liverpool City Council permanent collection. Subject to Ruin brought new audiences to CPAC through its comprehensive and diverse exhibition presentation and public and education programs.

CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – CELEBRATING AUSTRALIAN FEMALE ARTISTS

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre organised a special education high school event. Students were given the opportunity to hear from a variety of high-profile female arts professionals including Anne Zahalka and TextaQueen in a panel presentation and discussion which focused on arts careers, and the opportunity to work directly with the artists in practical workshops at affordable cost.

Students recorded meaningful memories of the day by creating a tactile memento of the occasion, working closely with a professional artist in their field of interest and potential career choice. Discussions were candid with professional advice beign given on thandling the highs and lows of creative life through resilience and motivation and the importance of doing what you love.

Live entertainment was features of the event as many students do not have financial access to live performances.

HURSTVILLE CITY LIBRARY MUSEUM & GALLERY: LIVING HURSTVILLE: PORTRAITS OF A COMMUNITY

This photographic project and exhibition celebrated the interests and passions of people who live, work or play in the Hurstville local government area, and consisted of 44 larger than life-size photographs featuring 46 people who hold a close association with the local area. Participants were photographed with an object of their choice that had significant meaning in their lives; capturing a snapshot of the region, spanning various age groups, cultural backgrounds and showcasing a variety of different passions and interests.

The main objective was to highlight and promote the rich diversity of the Hurstville community. Images were displayed by creating a forest of walk-through images and providing visitors with moments of recognition–of their barista, their accountant, their neighbour–or someone they had lost touch with.

C3 (MCA) AND CAMPBELLTOWN ARTS CENTRE: TRANSFORMA

A seven-week residency with New Zealand-based artist Michel Tuffery aimed to engender a local culture of stewardship of the river in Airds, in south-western Sydney. The project had four components: the retrieval of cars dumped in the Georges River for use in an outdoor scultpure: a purpose built outdoor sculpture studio in the Airds shopping centre car park: a youth-focused workshop program: and a series of public programs culminating in a launch event. The resultant sculpture is permanently located at Airds High School.

The local youth audience was consistently engaged by the artist, starting with residencies in 2012-13, where Tuffery participated in local community groups and led several workshops. During this year’s studio residency Tuffery and his team worked on a daily basis with young people while making the work in the outdoor studio.

Through two weekly workshops exclusively for Airds youth – experimental sounds and projections, and printmaking, young people learned artmaking skills, with the work being featured during the launch which attracted over 500 community members and visitors.