Pathways in the arts industry

Praxis Artist in Residence

Artist in residency programs provide an opportunity for artists to thrive in the highly competitive arts industry.  At their core artist in residency programs give artists a space outside of their usual work environment, it enables artists the time to focus solely on their art and expand their art practices.  Residency programs usually culminate in an exhibition providing access to new audiences, increase exposure and opportunities to sell their work.

Praxis Artspace Gallery and Studios located in Bowden is securely embedded in the arts community and ecology of the contemporary art scene in SA. Artists that have exhibited at Praxis include Kate Bohunnis who has gone on to receive the $1000,000 Ramsy Art Prize in 2021.   Praxis have been offering an artist in residence to a new visual arts graduate since 2017 enabling artists to be seen in SA and worldwide.  We sat down with Patty to learn more about the program.

What is the artist in residence program and how long has it been running?

Essentially, the opportunity exists to support emerging artists as they transition from a graduate institution to 'the real world'. The transition can be rather daunting as artists find themselves alone upon leaving the institution, no longer nurtured by tutors/lecturers, etc. and having little disposable income.

A sponsored studio allows them to immerse themselves in their practice for a year, developing further their ideas without the financial burden.

The first sponsored studio was donated in 2017 and included all the Bachelor of Visual Arts universities.  My husband and I sponsored the space for a single graduate. More recently I have offered it to Adelaide Central School of Art (ACSA) graduates, I graduated from there in 2010!

When our adjacent Studios were set up in 2018 the opportunity to support an emerging artist was further enriched by having other creatives to work amongst.

Supporting a graduate visual artist with a studio in a collaborative environment with other artists, writers, and curators can offer numerous benefits:

1. Creative Exchange and Collaboration:
   • Diverse Perspectives: A shared studio environment provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a dynamic environment where artists, writers, and curators from various backgrounds can exchange ideas and perspectives.
   • Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Interactions with individuals from different artistic disciplines can inspire new approaches and techniques, leading to innovative and unique artistic expressions.
2. Professional Development:
   • Networking Opportunities: Being surrounded by fellow artists and art professionals facilitates networking, potentially opening doors to exhibitions, partnerships, and other professional opportunities.
   • Peer Critique and Feedback: Regular interaction with peers allows for constructive criticism and feedback, contributing to the artist's growth and refinement of their work.
3. Resource Sharing:
   • Access to Libraries and Archives: Co-locating with writers and curators might grant access to literary resources and curatorial expertise, enriching the artist's understanding of contextualising their work.
4. Community and Support System:
   • Emotional Support: The art-making process can be isolating, and having a supportive community can provide emotional support during both the highs and lows of a creative journey.
   • Mentorship Opportunities: Establishing connections with more experienced artists, writers, and curators in the shared space may lead to mentorship, guidance, and valuable insights into the art world. Frequent artist talks in the gallery is also an added bonus.
5. Exhibition Opportunities:
   • Curatorial Input: Proximity to curators in our adjacent gallery, and visiting curators, can provide valuable insights into exhibition opportunities, with curators potentially taking an interest in the artist's work and including it in shows or events locally and interstate.

5. Group Exhibitions: Collaborating with fellow artists in the shared space may lead to group exhibitions, showcasing the collective talents of the community and attracting a broader audience.
6. Cultural and Intellectual Stimulation:
   • Cultural Diversity: A diverse community of artists, writers, and curators can create a rich tapestry of cultural influences, stimulating intellectual and creative growth.
   • Exposure to New Ideas: Regular exposure to discussions and presentations by writers and curators can broaden the artist's perspective and deepen their understanding of the art world.

We also partner with POP (Port Adelaide) and ACE (in CBD) where practicing curators (from other states) are invited into the studios to hear more about the artists' practice and may get feedback.

Can you tell us about a project that an artist in residence has done in Praxis?

Thomas Readett, 2015 BVA Graduate from ACSA was the recipient of a studio in 2018. He stayed on in our studios for another year before we offered him the opportunity to paint a mural on the studio's facade. Thomas is also ACSA's First Nations Academic Officer, and we received a Place Makers Grant from Charles Sturt to part-fund the mural.

What do residency’s mean to artists?

Marian Sandberg, BVA, who was the 2023 artist in residence said the “The Praxis Studio Residency is an invaluable bridge between tertiary study and professional visual arts practice. A fully funded, fully supported space adjoining a contemporary gallery allows a unique window into the wider arts community by promoting access to visiting artists, curators and arts workers. Being part of an active studio community straight out of university motivated me to make ambitious work and build studio habits which will fuel my practice for years to come.”

Residencies also create new work and Jonathan George; our first recipient received a job opportunity with ACSA after his residency with us and Thomas Readett assisted in the mural outside of Tandanya after his residency with us.

Who is eligible for the artist in residence program?

Bachelor of Visual Arts graduates from the ACSA.

How do you apply?

The opportunity is offered through the graduate awards program at ACSA, and I select the recipient after reviewing their graduate works.

How can our community find out about ‘What’s On’ at Praxis?

Our exhibitions are listed on our website and Instagram or join the mailing list by emailing praxis@praxisartspace.com

Also we invite you to attend a new exhibition by Nicholas Johnson which is coming up in May 2024, it is Nicholas’ first major solo exhibition called Iron Stones and Toxic Depths and it is supported by the City of Charles Sturt Arts Fund.