Friday 28 March 2008
Renowned Art Director Leo Schofield today opened a special Housing NSW art exhibition at Art Equity in Sydney showcasing artworks from across New South Wales.
The colourful and impressive artworks were created by residents of Macquarie Fields, central Sydney, Mt Druitt, Orange and Bathurst for the recent 2008 National Housing Conference.
Titled ‘Bringing communities to life through art’ the exhibition is the first of its kind and explores each groups’ vision of their community, characteristics, their future and what the community means to them.
Director General for Housing NSW, Mike Allen said the ‘Bringing communities to life through art’ project involved inspirational artworks being created by residents from Housing NSW’s Building Stronger Communities priority locations across NSW, and those from Central Sydney.
“This project is the first time social housing and private residents from each location have come together to work on artworks that represent their community.”
The ‘Bringing communities to life through art’ project aimed to promote community development and partnerships, encourage interaction between residents, provide a platform for creativity and highlight local talent.
Art Equity Gallery Manager, Brenda Colahan said the artworks will be proudly displayed in their very own exhibition at Art Equity in Sydney from March 29.
“Art Equity is keen to promote this community event, as art is an important form of expression and the value of art reaches all people no matter where they come from,” Brenda said.
Artworks have come from a variety of community groups from Macquarie Fields, Mount Druitt, Orange, Central Sydney and Bathurst, such as Russian, Chinese, Aboriginal, Pacific Islander, young people and older people.
“Some display Aboriginal heritage, Pacific Island young people’s perceptions of their home, while others focus on the past, future and families of their area”, Mr Allen said.
“This was and continues to be great project for these groups allowing them to connect and own their communities through art”.
The ‘Bringing communities to life through art’ exhibition was on display at Art Equity, Level 6 Barrack House, 16-20 Barrack Street, Sydney from March 29 – 31 and was well attended.