Brisbane’s hottest emerging artists, designers, photographers and filmmakers will present their work at a free public event over four days starting tonight in South Bank.
The Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, opens its doors for its annual graduate showcase in unique style for the very first time, inviting art lovers to explore a huge range of exhibitions, guided tours, artist talks, Q&A panels, masterclasses, workshops and performances across the campus.
Over 200 of this year’s graduates have submitted works for the special four day event, spanning fine art, photography, design, jewellery, sculpture, film, animation and games design.
The Showcase also coincides with The GAS: Graduate Art Show and The Survey Co. Art Award, an exhibition of graduate work from the year, curated by Acting Director of Griffith University Art Gallery, Naomi Evans, with the winner to be announced on opening night.
What’s next in contemporary art
According to the QCA Showcase organiser Cassandra Lehman-Schultz, the opening night event is an incredible opportunity for the community to see firsthand the talent being nurtured in their hometown.
“With many works for sale, this is the chance to snap uporiginal work from emerging talent before they enter the ranks of Australia’s best.”
“This is the same annual show that has sold the works of artists Michael Zavros, Victoria Reichelt, Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Abbey McCulloch, and Gordon Bennet — who were all at one time graduating students of the QCA,” she said.
Artist Tony Albert, this year’s winner of the $100,000 Basil Sellers Art Prize and the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, will attend the official opening as a guest of honour.
The QCA alumnus will also present a $1,000 Encouragement Award, which he has personally donated as a kick start for an emerging artist on their way to a professional career.
Not to be missed events
The opening evening will also feature a traditional dance and Welcome to Country; a host of food stalls across the lawns including artistic chocolate; Jamaican jerk chicken, spinach pies, authentic curries, Dutch Treats and more, plus the sweet sounds of flamenco gypsy jazz trio Imaya from 6.45pm.
A highlight of Friday’s program will be the Alumni Panel: Secrets of successful creative careers from 5.00pm. Hosted by Professor Pat Hoffie, graduates Tony Albert (contemporary Australian artist), Troy King (Hassell), Gerwyn Davies (photographer) and Carly Scoufos (sculptor and installation artist) will speak about how they turned their creativity into a career.
The events will continue over the weekend with workshops, artist talks and exhibitions across campus as the QCA throws open its doors for everyone to explore.
Opening Event:
4pm — 9pm
Thursday 27 November, 2014
WHERE: QCA,226 Grey Street, South Bank.
RUNS: Thursday 27 November through to Sunday 30 November.
View the full program of events.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Marino, 0418 799 544, [email protected]