City shopfronts and local artists sought for Festival of Arts Artstreet project

Artspace Mackay is once again looking for enthusiastic artists and City Centre businesses to get involved in Artstreet 2011.

Arstreet, an initiative of Artspace Mackay Volunteers, seeks to bring together both local artists and businesses for a creative partnership that will form an artistic trail of shopfront displays in Mackay’s City Centre.

Businesses that are interested provide a shopfront window in which an artist can install a piece of work that promotes the business’ trade or responds to this year’s Festival of the Arts theme (yet to be announced).

Community Services and Facilities portfolio councillor Karen May said Artstreet is a great opportunity for both businesses and artists who are looking for exposure and wish to be part of an innovative community arts project.

“It’s quite a unique promotional opportunity for businesses and artists alike,” she said.

In its third year, Artstreet hopes to once again be an exciting facet of the Mackay Region Festival of the Arts, however Artspace requires the involvement of both businesses and artists in our local community to help drive the project.

In 2009, the project experienced an overwhelming response with 26 partnerships scattered throughout the City Centre; among the partnership businesses were banks, cafes, clothing and book outlets, furniture and music stores as well as a tattoo establishment.

The project encourages artists to work with their partner business and be creative in their response to the theme - the 2011 Mackay Region Festival of Arts theme is scheduled to be launched in May.

Cr May said last year, Artstreet saw everything from traditional oil paintings to fun, robot characters made entirely of office supplies.

The exhibition will run from July 9 to 24 and will coincide with the 2011 Mackay Region Festival of the Arts.

If you are a local artist or a Mackay City Centre business owner and wish to be involved, contact Artspace Mackay on 4961 9722, for more details or log onto their website for updates www.artspacemackay.com.au.

Expressions of Interest forms are available from the website or in person at Artspace Mackay.

Contact: Mackay Regional Council

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)