Creative minds are invited to push the boundaries of traditional art and help transform Kogarah into an immersive, open-air gallery in July 2024.
Georges River Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from artists and artist teams to contribute to the Un[contained] Arts Festival 2024, with applications open until 21 January.
Un[contained] Arts Festival expands and challenges the ideas of what ‘art’ is, breaking it free of a traditional gallery space and letting it take over the streets.
Audiences will be drawn to the area by a series of transformed shipping containers placed among large-scale installations, with pop-ups and small discoverable artworks within Kogarah.
Festival-goers will engage with a diverse range of immersive and creative art experiences involving objects, performance, sound, light, and colour.
Building on the success of the 2023 festival that captivated over 40,000 attendees, Georges River Mayor Sam Elmir has encouraged all artists in Georges River and from across Australia to participate in the upcoming Un[contained] Arts Festival.
“I encourage artists to seize this opportunity, break free from convention, and contribute to an event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Georges River,” said Georges River Mayor Elmir.
“Art has the power to transform communities, and the Un[contained] Arts Festival exemplifies our community’s commitment to fostering cultural vibrancy.”
“Georges River Council looks forward to receiving innovative expressions of interest from artists who are eager to contribute to the Un[contained] Arts Festival and help make the 2024 event a great testament to our community’s creativity,” said Elmir.
Proposals will be assessed based on criteria including excellence in contemporary art practice, originality, and enhancement of the local area’s liveability and distinctiveness.
Organisers of the Un[contained] Arts Festival are seeking EOIs for the creation and installation of artworks in four categories:
- Large-scale interactive artwork (up to 3 artists selected): Engaging, durable, and accessible outdoor installations with broad community appeal.
- Installation artwork (up to 3 artists selected): Small to large-scale constructions incorporating light, sound, and digital components, designed for specific sites.
- Performance art pieces (up to 10 artists selected): Diverse, outdoor performances challenging traditional art concepts.
- Mural/Street art (up to 2 artists selected): Public space-expanding artworks evoking contemporary life.
To assist with applications, artists are encouraged to review relevant Council documents including the Community Strategic Plan, Cultural Strategy, and Public Art Policy, available on the Georges River Council website.
Expressions of Interest close at midnight on Sunday 21 January 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by close of business Friday 2 February 2024. The festival is scheduled for 19 – 21 July 2024, with selected artists required to be available on these dates.
For more information about the Un[contained] Arts Festival 2024 or to apply, visit: www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: An Artist at the Un[contained] Arts Festival (supplied)