Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, HOTA, has announced the 20 Australian artists selected to be presented as part of the inaugural exhibition program for its new Gallery opening in April 2021.
Both established and emerging artists have been selected who have strong connections to the Gold Coast and will be commissioned to create new works that reflect the diversity of the region. The project marks the largest presentation of new works by Gold Coast artists undertaken by HOTA.
“HOTA is committed to supporting Australian artists – now more than ever – and we are excited to bring together this group of extraordinary artists who each have unique and fascinating connections to the Gold Coast,” said Criena Gehrke, Chief Executive Officer of HOTA, Home of the Arts.
“This $100,000 commissioning opportunity enables HOTA to put a spotlight on the incredible creatives on our doorstep and Australian artists with a strong connection to the region.”
Well known Australian artists including Hiromi Tango (pictured), Michael Candy, Samuel Leighton-Dore and Libby Harwood will be exhibited alongside locally recognized artists and collectives. They will create artwork for the city’s new gallery including sculpture, weaving, textiles, ceramics, performance, painting, photography, video, and installation works.
The selected artists include: CJ Anderson | Mary Elizabeth Barron | Elliot Bastianon | Ali Bezer | Kirsty Bruce | Michael Candy | Aaron Chapman | Abbey McCulloch | Mimi Dennett | Claudia De Salvo | Erica Gray | Jason Haggerty | Libby Harward | Jacob, Isaac and Lachlan Hough | Samuel Leighton-Dore | Nicola Moss | Lisa Sorbie Martin | Hiromi Tango | Heath Wae | Whatumanawa Collective.
The artists were selected by a panel made up of leading Australian cultural figures including, Tracy Cooper-Lavery, Director of HOTA Gallery, Leigh Robb, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia, Liz Nowell, Director of the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane, Sam Creyton from the City of Gold Coast Arts and Culture unit and members of the HOTA Gallery Curatorial Team.
The call out called for ambitious and locally engaged but globally aware creatives with a significant link to the Gold Coast region, who share the belief that art has the power to unite, challenge, transform and delight.
“The concept for this project comes from the desire to create meaningful opportunities for locally-based artists to present a bold body of work that positions homegrown talent on a national stage,” said Tracy Cooper-Lavery, Director, Gallery and Visual Arts at HOTA. “Conversely, it is for the city, by the city, in the city!”
The new AUD$60.5 million HOTA Gallery is currently under construction within HOTA precinct on Queensland’s Gold Coast and once completed will be the largest public gallery outside a capital city in Australia.
HOTA Gallery will become the permanent home for the $32 million City Collection, whilst presenting international exhibitions exclusive to Australia alongside an ongoing commitment to present the work of local artists. For more information, visit: www.hota.com.au for details.
Image: Hiromi Tango – photo by Greg Piper