Parramatta Artists Studios announce 2017 artists
Sixteen new artists have taken up residency at Parramatta Artists Studios (PAS) following a highly competitive selection process which attracted a record number of applicants.
The emerging, mid-career and established artists from Parramatta and across greater Sydney were awarded 6 month to 1 year residencies after being selected from more than 74 applications.
“The Parramatta Artists Studios is fundamental to demonstrating the diverse artistic talent in our region, and highlighting the importance of expression and cultural identity,” City of Parramatta Administrator Amanda Chadwick said.
“Council is proud to support the Studios and provide subsidised studio space to artists who contribute to the growth and evolution of our City. We welcome on board the new group of artists and look forward to seeing where their creative endeavours will lead them.”
2017’s resident artists include Khadim Ali (Doonside), Cigdem Aydemir, Kate Beckingham, Harriet Body, Penelope Cain, Kalanjay Dhir (Parramatta), Caroline Garcia , Annie McKinnon, Marikit Santiago (North Parramatta), Shireen Taweel and Garry Trinh. Emma Fielden (Parramatta), Anna McMahon, Catherine O’Donnell (Glenbrook), Salote Tawale and Hannah Toohey (Castle Hill) also return to continue as artists in residence.
PAS Coordinator Sophia Kouyoumdjian said she was confident the chosen artists will add to the Studios’ national and global reputation as an incubator of artistic excellence.
“These artists have each demonstrated a high standard of artistic practice and achieved much success in their respective careers, and will work to produce great works of art in our City,” Ms Kouyoumdjian said.
Parramatta Artists Studios recently celebrated 10 years of service to artists and the local community, cementing itself as a key creative centre with the ongoing support of Arts NSW.
Artist and Parramatta resident Kalanjay Dhir, whose practice involves the use of steel, wood, ceramics, text, video, sound and images said he is looking forward to being part of the Studios and contributing to a meaningful exchange of culture, tradition and storytelling within the City.
“I’m very interested in watching Parramatta grow as a centre of cultural excellence and curious to see what this growth will bring in terms of discourse, thought, interconnectivity, art and identity,” Mr Dhir said.
As in previous years, the 2017 artists will work with Council staff to deliver a strong annual program that makes the arts more accessible to the community through bespoke art projects, workshops and other participatory experiences.
The Studios’ public program will commence with the pre-eminent Western Sydney writers program, Studio Stories, and an exhibition of new commissions for the multicultural Festival, Parramasala.
More information about PAS can be found on Council’s website ”“ cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
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