Explore the creative spaces of the West with Open Studios
Published on 24 October 2017
This November, Maribyrnong City Council will launch Open Studios in the West, a unique festival that invites the community to discover the hidden creativity of artists living and working in Melbourne’s inner west.
Now in its tenth year, Open Studios in the West offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the diverse range of artist studios by taking a self-guided tour of the creative hubs in the inner west.
Taking place on 25 and 26 November, the festival explores art behind the scenes and provides the chance to visit the studios and workshops of local artists, performers, collectives and designers, as well as a number of permanent gallery spaces and exhibitions.
Highlights include Maribyrnong’s Pigeons, an Artist-in-Residency with Serene Lau at Braybrook Community Hub that will culminate in an illustrated art installation during Open Studios; artist talks at Footscray Library; a self-guided tour of the vibrant street art that call Maribyrnong home; and a plethora of activities, like hand forging demonstrations at Waterside Metal, drawing workshops at The Art Room, and workshop tours at BiGfiSh to name a few.
City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Catherine Cumming, believes Open Studios in the West is a wonderful opportunity to uncover the private spaces of our local artists.
“By opening up these hidden spaces, our community has the opportunity to gain a rare glimpse into the spaces that artists, performers, collectives and designers use to explore their inspiration,” Cr Cumming said.
Ranging from a back shed to a lounge room, gallery studios and warehouses, the audience will be fascinated by the sanctums from which artists explore their inspiration and create.
“This program is just one way Council supports and brings attention to the local arts community and creative industries. The Arts and Creative sector is Maribyrnong’s 7th largest sector by Gross Regional Product and contributes nearly $300 million to the local economy.”
“I am extremely proud of our City’s reputation as a unique and thriving arts hub, with a dynamic and progressive culture that reflects the creativity of those living and working in the City of Maribyrnong,” Cr Cumming continued.
With opportunities to watch a demonstration, listen to a spot talk, purchase a work directly from the artist or attend a free workshop, the Open Studios weekend, which will launch with One Night in Footscray on Friday 24 November, is not to be missed.
Open Studios in the West
25 – 26 November
Various locations in the City of Maribyrnong
View the Open Studios in the West program
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Image by Nico Photography