Local artists to open their studios for Mackay Festival of Arts

The 2023 Mackay Art Studio Trail is a pilot project for Artists Connect Inc that is set to launch in late June for the Mackay Festival of Arts.

According to RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann, up to 150 participating artists will open their studios and galleries to visitors by appointment and some will offer art workshops in their studios.

“A central location will also be established as a hub for participating artists to initiate residencies, rolling exhibitions, drop-in public conversations, workshops and community and business collaborations,” Cr Mann said.

“The committee were very supportive of the project and were happy to approve $12,628 to help Artists Connect Inc deliver this exciting initiative,” she said.

Cr Mann said another exciting project to receive funding this round ($5594) was the Waste and Weeds program, co-designed by Deadly Weavers and ATSICHS Mackay.

“As part of this program, Deadly Weavers will be facilitating six, weekly mixed media workshops covering weaving, eco-dyeing, mark making and sculpture.

“A really exciting element is that participants will be utilising materials and plant matter which would normally be destined for landfill,” she said.

“Participants, who will include First Nations men and Elders, will be given a small budget to purchase materials from the Paget Tip Shop and they will also use collected green waste.

“At the end of the program, a four-week exhibition of works produced during the workshops will be held in Jubilee Community Centre throughout NAIDOC celebrations in July 2023.”

Also receiving funding to the value of $12,610 was the Eungella Arts and Crafts Fayre which is returning after a very successful inaugural event in 2021.

This event is a celebration of ancient and traditional arts and crafts.

The day will include traditional dancing, musical instruments and songs, art and craft workshops, various stalls, a Viking village, lantern parade, demonstrations, children's activities and natural healing.

All up, 13 projects were supported to a total value of $85,659. The projects supported included:

• Jonte Tupaea to produce and release two singles of original music - $9500
• Jan Ward to attend a five-day printmaking workshop - $2195
• The Wild Sky (band) to record five original songs - $3950
• Lisa Roebig Holmes to take part in Judy Woods stARTs Professional Development Mentorship - $3400
• Lalune Croker for research and development for a touring interactive art installation - $11,610
• Lisa Mason for a workshop with singer/songwriter/director Josh Arnold and Koumala State School students to capture and celebrate the community’s distinctive character - $4730
• Lesley Kane for a workshop with Judith White - $4000
• Barry Maitie to explore printing cultural story artworks onto textiles - $5042
• A music industry and song writing workshop to upskill local musicians, songwriters and poets presented at Wintermoon Music Festival - $6500.