ArtsHub

Now in its 24th year, this visual arts community-based organisation has an established history of cultivating artists’ ‘run-and-managed’ creative artspace in the leafy suburbia. Formerly known as Kingston Art Space and Leichhardt Street Studios, the organisation moved to its current premises, which is a former bus repair depot in 2002 to continue its ambition to inspire a thriving and vibrant arts community through engaging in arts and creativity. M16 Artspace has a very strong connection with the prestigious ANU School of Art and because of that the works previously showcased at the gallery have often been of very high standard, both technically and conceptually. Previous exhibitors included highly regarded artists such as Julie Bradley, Talbet Fulthorpe, Brett Bailey, Amina McConvell, and Richard Blackwell who are studio artists of M16, as well as works from members of its affiliates, the Canberra Artist Workshop and Hands On Studio or sometimes friend of this nestle arts community. The current exhibition in the Main Space, OUTLET – The Private Face Of Public Creativity, is somewhat different. It is the product of a local business, a well-reputable advertising, design and communications agency in Kingston called the ZOO Group. Featuring mixed media ranging from painted pieces onto mixed materials, digital prints, photography, fashion inspiration, digital media and graphic design OUTLET was set up by the Zootheir staff to create a personal piece of artwork that is creative and innovative. Challenges they believe is somewhat different to their “mundane” day-to-day routine of thinking creatively and strategically to solve their government and private sector client’s communications problems. The exhibition closes this Sunday and it’s worth taking a look. But more importantly, if the Zoo group is willing to challenge their staff (as part of their own professional development) to think creatively and come up with an arts exhibition, then imagine the possibilities of developing a series of multi-media arts exhibitions with Executive Public Servants as part of their professional development regime! Ummm….food for thought. Oh, and while you’re there, check out Lauren Hewitt’s Dwell, a photographic exhibition on public and private places of dwelling runs at the Foyer Space until Sunday 15 November 2009. Exhibition runs 4 - 15 November Participating Artists: Alex Firth Anthony Nankervis Ben Florance Ben Galdys Clinton Hutchinson Gabrielle D’Ambrosio Jacinda Jackson James Peek John Peek John Ruman Scott Ketley Sofia Polak Venue: M16 Artspace, Opening Hours: 12 - 5pm Wednesday - Sunday 16 Mildura Street Kingston ACT Phone: 6295 9438 www.m16artspace.com