Artists, and aspiring artists, based in regional New South Wales now have an opportunity to practice their passion in the city, thanks to a new artist in residence program at Sydney Olympic Park.
Artists at the Armory is a multi-discipline initiative which provides a studio-based working environment that is available for weekly hire, licences of 3 to 12 months or residential accommodation of 1-3 months.
The unique arts workspace, based in a former non-explosive storehouse at Newington Armory, has been converted into a shared studio space for up to 19 visual artists.
Catering to sculptors, painters, ceramicists and printmakers, the studio is well equipped to deal with a wide range of art practices and techniques.
Since opening in late 2005, the Artists in the Armory program has attracted more than a dozen artists from Sydney, regional NSW and interstate, as well as 8 artists from overseas.
The venue is well equipped with a variety of arts based equipment including; work benches, seating, studio lighting, ventilation and exhaust infrastructure, clean up areas, easels, shelving as well as a variety of specialised fittings and equipment items including a kiln, two etching presses, and an aquatint cupboard. Separate workshops for wood and metal work and a chemical workroom are also provided.
Director of Arts Development, Scott O’Hara says supporting the studio and workshop facilities is a historic cottage, which has now been apapted to provide a communications hub with internet access and a telephone connection, an artists’ common room and a writers studio.
“The facility enables artists to exchange ideas and information and provides a space for doing ‘desk work’. ,” Mr O’Hara said.
Artists utilising the residency program are encouraged to apply to live at the Armory site during their stay in a second refurbished three bedroom Federation cottage.
Artists interested in using the studio spaces, or participating in the artist-in-residence program should contact Tony Nesbitt, Manager Arts Programming at Sydney Olympic Park on 02 9714 7110 or tony.nesbitt@sopa.nsw.gov.au .
“Nominal fees will be charged for short-term hirers and longer-term licensees, while invited artists-in-residence will have access to the facilities in return for participation in our programs,” Mr O’Hara added.
Media Contact: Sydney Olympic Park Authority - Bronwyn Edwards – 0419 292 205
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