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Wednesday 3 June 2009

The Vision - The Inspiration

We would like to have a similar Organsation in the Central West to Peacock Visual Arts which is the main contemporary visual arts organisation in Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland and is supported by Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Arts Council and
Scottish Screen.

Our aim is to play a leading role in nurturing a culture of creativity in
Orange and the Central West. To be renowned internationally as a centre of excellence and innovation where artists and public engage to share and explore ideas and to make and present art in exciting, stimulating and challenging ways.

We passionately believe that art offers empowerment, increases understanding and improves communication. All our collaborative projects, residencies and learning opportunities will be about increasing participation of all members of the community in a rich artistic culture

We want to organise an annual programme of national and international contemporary art exhibitions, as well as talks, critical debates and workshops. We want to provide the widest range of media openly available anywhere in regional NSW. These facilities could include the hire of video and photography equipment and the use of printmaking workshops and could include facilities like a photography darkroom and studio, painting and sculpture studios as well as a dedicated area where visiting artists could have access to facilities for creative projects for community events



A wide range of artworks will be offered for sale by local, regional and international artists, many of which will be as a result of Artist In Residence programmes.
Commercial creative industries can have a jump start. as well as the artists themselves - framing, photography, graphic design, architecture services could also operate from the premises giving a boost to the Central West Region's Creative Industries Strategy



Just some of the jobs on offer could be:
Director:
Curator:,
Assistant curator:,
Gallery assistant:,
Campaign Director (new development):,
Communications manager:,
Finance and Admin manager:,
Accounts assistant:
Printmakers: ,
Digital coordinator:,
TV & Video coordinator:
Digital assistant:
Darkroom technician:
Picture framers: ,
Other: General assistants

Some of these positions may be voluntary and others may be funded from Government grants and industry sponsorship.



To be able to realise the vision - a lot of things have to happen.
The chosen building must be adapted for use


Ideally we would prefer the building to be totally sustainable and solar passive


This could be achieved by using the building as a showcase and for trial and research retrofitting renewable/green energy technologies - solar hot water systems, heat pumps, geothermal pumps. Solar / Alternative heating and cooling systems. A  truly creative powerhouse for the Rural West!


Other opportunities which may be on offer - community commercial kitchen where charity fund-raisers can prepare wares for sale to public in a clean controlled workspace.




Community Gardens / allotments  for food production/permaculture available on land surrounding the building
these extra activities have the potential to give rise for further opportunities in employment and training in Horticulture, Hospitality, Administration.




Music recording studios




There is no reason why we cannot specify that all materials used on site must be sourced locally as far as possible and preference will be given to recycling materials from local businesses and waste facilities.


The centre will be home to the very best in contemporary arts practice. A vibrant addition to the central West’s cultural landscape, the new centre will welcome world-class talent to the city, give a focus for local creativity and provide the region with an international centre for excellence.
We want to put Orange on the map ! Our exceptional cultural heritage for which we should be truly proud is ready for the next step.

If you would like to be part of this exciting project either as a  co -partner, sponsor a philanthopist or an artist or volunteer please contact me