Art lovers of all kinds are invited to explore artistic spaces in Sydney’s inner west as the Marrickville Open Studio Trail (MOST) returns, taking place on one of the most diverse weekends on the Sydney calendar, Mardi Gras weekend: 5 – 6 March 2016.
Marrickville Council has been a leading supporter of art in Australia and is the centre of independent arts with the highest number of arts and cultural workers than any other area in NSW.
A free program generated by the abundant local arts scene, MOST is a project that nurtures Marrickville’s community ethos of diversity and creativity. Over 200 artists from 53 studios, galleries and artist-run initiatives within the Marrickville area will welcome visitors and showcase their work, practice and philosophies.
These creative industrial playgrounds will be open for exploration over the weekend, highlighting the area’s innovative talent and allowing art fans to discover the undiscovered. There will be open studios, workshops, talks, tours and more.
Featured spaces and collectives include; Sydney’s Smallest Gallery Nauti Studios, continuous live drawing throughout the weekend and host of the MOST wrap party on Sunday night at Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Anne Zahalka at the Newtown Art Seat, live-in studios Alpha House, art activists Tortuga Studios, international artists Benoit+Bo will be exhibiting a Mardi Gras-themed piece at the Newsagency Gallery, ‘futuring’ with Frontyard and more.
Local tours of Marrickville’s studio spaces will also be running throughout weekend including: Author of Street Art of the Inner West, Melinda Vassallo will take art explorers through the streets on foot to discover the stunning street art of the area in an Art on the Streets walking tour, or join Artist identical twins, Leanne and Naomi Shedlezki as they take art lovers through an entertaining and informed walking tour of the Artist Run Initiatives (ARI).
Uncover the best and discover another side of Marrickville with a walking tour of some of the best food, beer, coffee and art in the municipality, or take one of two bicycle tours to explore the many creative spaces on offer. Most tours are free, though booking are essential.
Kids will be able to enjoy the Kids Hub @ Art Camp project in Camperdown Park, close to the Chrissie Cotter Gallery – creating an arts hub in the park. Workshops for kids running at Art Camp include a Weaving Workshop with sustainable artist Michele Morcos, Mural Painting with street artist Gabrielle Bates, Roma Music Workshop with Lolo Lovina and a little-monster themed clay workshop with Sarah Harvie.
The Marrickville Open Studio Trail takes place, Friday 5 & Saturday 6 March 2016. For more information, visit: www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: One of the many creative spaces open throughout MOST (supplied)