One of the biggest challenges for up-and-coming artists is finding a gallery to exhibit their work but Visual Art students from QUT's Creative Industries faculty now have a regular exhibition space thanks to an agreement with TransLink.
The TransLink Centre for Service Excellence is giving QUT art students some real world experience in showcasing their work in its foyer. The initiative started this month, featuring the efforts of three recipients of the QUT Visual Arts scholarship, the Hild Chenhall prize - Rebecca Daynes from Anstead, Aaron Butt from Bribie Island and Yannick Blattner from Red Hill - all of who have now graduated with honours.
Professor Andrew McNamara, Head of Visual Arts at QUT, said artwork would be rotated every three months or so giving all art students exhibited an opportunity for exposure and sales. The displays will be curated by another Creative Industries student, Rosie Keeble.
"QUT now has a memorandum of understanding with TransLink which represents a fantastic opportunity for our visual art students to have their work seen in public, thus giving them exhibition experience," Professor McNamara said.
"The TransLink Centre for Service Excellence is located within the QUT precinct at Kelvin Grove so it's a natural match for all parties.
"Our students will benefit enormously but it will also enhance the experience of visitors to the centre who will be privy to some exciting and fresh emerging artists."
Gordon Buchannan, executive director of TransLink Operations, said the space received a lot of passing traffic and the inclusion of the artwork from QUT students would keep it current and interesting.
"The beauty of being located within the QUT precinct here at Kelvin Grove means we have a wealth of information, knowledge and creative types right on our doorstep," Mr Buchannan said.
"We realised we could offer an excellent opportunity for QUT's art students to showcase their work to the general public whilst providing our visitors with a stimulating, thought-provoking environment.
"The works by Rebecca Daynes, Aaron Butt and Yannick Blattner are the first to be shown and while this is a trial we have every confidence the concept will continue with new artworks from other QUT students placed on show every three months."
He added that feedback forms would be available at the centre's reception so that messages could be left for the artists. Some of the artwork will also be for sale.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
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