“An artist walks into a museum” is the captivating invitation to a new opportunity for artists in the Upper Hunter region. Three artists will work with three local museums to create artworks inspired by the museum and its collection.
Arts Upper Hunter, in partnership with Tocal Museum, Scone Museum, and Dungog Museum, is pleased to unveil an exciting opportunity for artists to take part in the This Here Then Now (THTN) Museum Activation Residency Program. Made possible through the Regional Arts Fund, this residency initiative aims to invigorate small local museums by creatively engaging artists with their collections, spaces, characters, and stories.
We are calling upon artists from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to apply for this unique opportunity. Successful applicants will collaborate closely with small local museums and their dedicated staff and volunteers. Using narrative and expressive techniques, artists will breathe new life into heritage objects and spaces, enriching visitor experiences and broadening audience engagement. The creative spectrum is wide open, encompassing visual arts, textiles, multimedia, audio, video, or any combination thereof. Imagination knows no bounds in this endeavour.
“We think this program will stretch the artists and the museums into fresh ways of thinking,” says Project Officer Suzannah Jones. “With their creative interventions, artists will not only enhance visitors’ understanding but also extend the museums’ reach into the community, attracting new audiences and fostering meaningful connections.”
This Here Then Now will be collaborative and engaging. “Working together with museum members and their audiences is crucial,” says Jones. “The artists will explore fresh perspectives on local history and culture, encouraging new ways of seeing and experiencing the rich heritage of our region. And that could be through a sound or music work, a projection, visual arts or sculpture, or an installation in an amazing space.”
According to Arts Upper Hunter Executive Director John O’Brien, “Our local museums are remarkable treasure houses– it’s easy to take them for granted and we hope that THTN gets people in with new angles on their history and artefacts.”
Applications close 6th May 2024
For more information, visit artsupperhunter.com
