Wyndham City is thrilled to be working with Deakin University to support a local artist to work on the international stage at the Venice Biennale with host organisation, the European Cultural Centre, on the project, Venetian Bind, curated by Cameron Bishop and David Cross.
This sixth and final instalment of the 2024 Venetian Bind project takes place in Venice from 30 Sept – Oct 5, 2024.
This opportunity aims to foster the creative skills of a local practitioner and build the creative capacity of the Wyndham community by encouraging cross-cultural exchange. It will provide a rare platform for a Wyndham artist to develop and profile their practice alongside creative artists and researchers from across the disciplinary spectrum at Deakin University, with the exhibition of a series of resolved collaborative works at Palazzo Mora, Venice, in October and November 2024.
The Venice Mentorship Opportunity
Over five days, Monday 30 September 2024 – Friday 5 October 2024, the artist will engage with real-time curatorial provocations, which will challenge them to push the boundaries of, and the thinking they bring to, their creative practice. This immersive experience will provide a rare chance to gain insights from creative practitioners working across design, filmmaking, creative writing and the visual arts, fostering growth through direct interaction, feedback and making.
The dynamic environment of Venice, with its blend of historical and contemporary culture, will serve as a fertile ground for the artist to develop site-responsive works that resonate with Venice’s unique atmosphere and environment.
This experience will not only build resilience and refine their technical and collaborative skills but also broaden their conceptual and critical thinking, preparing them for future opportunities in Wyndham City and further afield.
The artist will be collaborating with: Filmmaker Martin Potter, Designer Tonya Meyrick, Film and Theatre Maker Briony Kidd, supported by curators Cameron Bishop and David Cross
Participating Artist Overview
The successful artist will be tasked with the following:
- Engaging in a contract with Deakin University.
- Be responsible for arranging all travel including flights, accommodation, insurances and ground transportation.
- Participate in all program requirements including the introduction to project and fellow participants prior to departure
- Participate in a tailored workshop in Venice related to the thematic and material aspects of their Venetian Bind program.
- The artist will be working hands-on with the mentors to develop site-responsive artworks, integrating diverse techniques and perspectives with existing practice and approaches.
- Participate in feedback and critique sessions with the mentors who will provide constructive feedback and critiques on the artist's work to refine and enhance their creative practice.
- Collaborate in the creation of a site responsive work and participate in a document filming process
The works created will be presented at Palazzo Mora from mid-October for six weeks, until the end of November. The artist will not be present for the exhibition period. Deakin University will ship works back to Melbourne, where curators will work towards further exhibition opportunities at Deakin University in 2025.
Participant funding breakdown:
- Participation Fee: $1,500
- Travel arrangements – includes airfare, accommodation, ground transportation and per diems: $7,000
- All other personal expenses are to be covered by the artist.
- All production costs for work made in Venice will be provided for the artist on arrival.
Key Dates
ACTIVITY | DATE / TIME |
EOIs open | Wednesday 31 July 2024, 5pm |
EOIs close | Wednesday 14 August 2024, 9am |
EOI Panel Assessment | Friday 9 August 2024 |
Artist Engaged by | Friday 16 August 2024 |
Artist Briefings | Various – to be arranged by Deakin University |
Suggested Departure from Australia | Saturday 28 September 2024 |
Venetian Bind Program Commences | Monday 30 September 2024 |
Venetian Bind Program Concludes | Friday 4 October 2024 |
Suggested Departure from Italy | Saturday 5 October 2024 |
Exhibition at Palazzo Mora | October-November 2024 |
Artist in Conversation Event in Wyndham | November 2024 |
Participant Evaluation | December 2024 |
Selection criteria
- Suitability of the artist and practice to the program and its artistic environment.
- How the opportunity would strengthen artistic practice or the potential for the artist/their practice development to contribute positively to others.
- Demonstration of professional and inter-personal skills to contribute positively to the project.
- Ability of artist to commitment to Venice program and activities on return to Australia.
Must Have
The successful EOI recipient must have:
- Current Passport with at least 6-months clear of expiration date from September 30, 2024.
- Travel Insurance that includes coverage for any pre-existing conditions. In addition, Deakin will require you to have public liability and professional indemnity. Proof of coverage will be required when contracting with Deakin University.
Overseas Travel & Accommodation Arrangements
The artist is required to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Deakin University will offer guidance for these arrangements. The artist will be responsible for ensuring their own requirements are met.
Artist In Conversation Event
Wyndham City Arts & Culture is committed to presenting a one-off In Conversation event with the participating artist and Deakin University in November 2024. The focus of the conversation will be discussing the experience and development opportunity for the artist. Wyndham City will be responsible for delivery of this event. No additional fees will be paid to the recipient of this program for their inclusion in this event.
Evaluation
Deakin University and Wyndham City Arts & Culture will conduct participant debrief with the artist and document feedback for evaluation of the program.