Matt Hewson
Artists from Geelong, Surf Coast and the Bellarine will show their work, many for the first time, at an open exhibition running through September.
Platform Arts is once again hosting After Walter Hopps, an open-call exhibition and events program from September 4 to 20.
The exhibition is inspired by and named after renowned American curator Walter Hopps, whose ground-breaking project 36 Hours opened Washington DC’s Museum of Temporary Art to that city’s regional art community for a 36-hour time frame.
Artists from around the region, whether professional or amateur, have been invited to simply bring their works to Platform Arts, with or without prior notice, until August 31.
Works can be of any size, shape or form, with few exceptions, and will be installed and exhibited for free.
“Platform Arts will accept anything that the maker wishes to call art, that can fit through the gallery doors, that can be constructed in the space, or that happens or is performed in the space,” curator Amber Smith said.
“After Walter Hopps aims at removing the restrictions enforced in an institutional gallery setting; opening it up for civic reclamation through showcasing the works of all who
celebrate being an artist, irrespective of profile or reputation.”
After Walter Hopps will also include free events and workshops throughout the exhibition period.
Artistic director Ilana Russell said Platform Arts was “thrilled” to see the arts community respond to the opportunity presented by the exhibition.
“This open-call format has had great appeal because it offers newer artists an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work, in some cases for the first time,” Ms Russell said.
“The overall aim is to fill the gallery from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, in a show that takes shape both cumulatively and expansively.
“Within the first week, we received over one hundred entries. Platform Arts is encouraging any keen artists to bring in their work before the submission window closes.”
Visit platformarts.org.au or call 03 5224 2815 for more information.
