Arts Bulletin - 288
14 August 2008

This Week's Feature -  Place versus non-place - Darren McGinn

Powered Site 2007 - ceramic, wood, papier mache, powerpoint and synthetic grass.  Reproduced courtesy of the artis.





Busman's Holiday 2007 - ceramic and timber
Reproduced courtesy of the artist.





The Dreaded Double Booking  - ceramic, wood, papier mache, powerpoint and synthetic grass.  Reproduced courtesy of the artist.


 

Place versus non-place is an exhibition of sculptural and photographic works that explore the significance of Australian coastal regions and our changing relationship with these locations as they become increasingly urbanised.

Drawing on his long-standing relationship with the Victorian Bellarine region, Darren McGinn investigates the rapid transformation of coastal townships caused by regional suburban development. Through his works, he explores what it is that defines place (beyond its physical characteristics), the similarities and differences between a 'type' of place (in this case, coastal regions), and how established communities retain a sense of place with the threat posed by ubiquitous, characterless housing developments (or non-places).

Approaching his practice as both artist and archivist, McGinn shows the impact of change on the Australian coastal landscape by creating works that comment on the effects of urban development – particularly on his local environment – and by photographically documenting change as it occurs.  Using traditional crafts such as ceramics and carpentry, as well as photography, McGinn focuses on two particular suburban icons in this exhibition: the hip and valley suburban home and the caravan.

The suburban, stud frame, hip and valley home, found in residential developments, symbolises the type of change that is particularly prevalent in coastal areas.  McGinn's photographs capture the manner in which these new 'communities' are marketed to potential residents through advertising boards that promise a particular lifestyle that is often at odds with the existing community.  Informing the work is the issue of identity, its personal and communal importance and its potential loss as urban sprawl engulfs coastal regions.  Sculptural works such as Suburban cross section and Suburban identity comment on the rapid construction of 'packaged' communities.

The caravan is a symbol of the Australian annual holiday and represents the translocation of the suburban lifestyle to regional centres.  For McGinn, 'the new mobile holiday home reflects affluence, which changes as the vehicle ages until it becomes a poor quality permanent home for the economically dispossessed.'  Now derelict or abandoned, the caravans in McGinn's photographs and sculptural installations represent the hundreds of thousands of people who live in caravan parks across Australia. This temporary – or often long-term – form of accommodation is representative of people who live one step away from homelessness.

For McGinn, the 'new dream home' and the caravan are emblematic of the Australian search for place and identity.  The works in the exhibition Place versus non-place form part of a larger exploration of coastal towns that will see McGinn undertaking a residency in Launceston, Tasmania, later this year.

Place versus non-place is part of the Shell arts - Geelong region artists program.

 
Miss Saigon
Geelong Lyric Theatre Society are delighted to announce that their June 2009 production will be 'Miss Saigon - A Musical by Boublil & Schonberg'.  From the writers of 'Les Miserables', comes another of the most popular musicals of all time.  Geelong Lyric Theatre Society is now seeking expressions of interest for all production staff for this production in the Ford Theatre - Geelong Performing Arts Centre from 1 to 14 June, 2009.  Applications for all of the above positions should be sent with a current resume to president@glts.asn.au or by mail marked attention The President - Geelong Lyric Theatre Society PO Box 33, Geelong, Victoria, 3220.  Applications for all positions close 25 August, 2008.
 
2008-2009 Community Arts and Festivals Grants
The City is pleased to announce that the Community Arts Grants Program 2008/2009 and the Community Festivals Grants Program 2008/2009 are now open.  These programs are offered to facilitate innovative community arts and festivals projects undertaken within the City of Greater Geelong.  Grants are available for projects initiated and managed by not-for-profit incorporated organisations.  Guidelines and Application Forms are available at Customer Service Centres, from the City website www.geelongaustralia.com.au or by contacting the City of Greater Geelong directly on (03) 5227 0773.  All applications must be received or post-dated no later than 5.00pm Monday 25 August 2008.  All applications must be submitted via mail to the City of Greater Geelong, Community Arts and Festivals Grants Programs, PO Box 104, Geelong Vic, 3220 or in person at any City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centre.  No email applications will be accepted.  Please note that there will only be one round annually in both the Community Arts Grants Program and the Community Festivals Grants Program.  Therefore, there will be no further grant round until mid-2009.
 
Courthouse Youth Arts Centre - Youth Program Committee
WANTED.  Young people.  Why?  To plan part of the 2009 season for the Courthouse Youth Arts Centre.  What?  You can help choose some of the performances for next year.  What else?  You will be trained in being a part of a committee and on assessing performance applications.  You will also have the chance to represent young people on the CYAC Board and really make a difference.  Who?  You are keen on the arts, music or youth culture or you are interested in helping make major decisions for the Courthouse Youth Arts Centre.  What now?  Fill out an application form (available from the Courthouse Youth Arts Centre, www.courthouse.org.au or www.youthcan.vic.gov.au) or phone (03) 5227 0689 for further information.  When? No later than 29 August.  Do it now!