Public Program

With each Strand Ephemera there is a point of difference to enliven the event. In 2009 it was scheduling the Regional Galleries conference to coincide to build the profile of the event. In 2011 there was a focus on performance, and Strand aLive was initiated. Strand aLive included a series of interventions or flash mobs that performed during the event. Strand aLive received RADF funding to bring Martyn Coutts, responsible for the success of the Visible City project in Melbourne, to Townsville to workshop possible performances with Townsville performers. The collaboration was with Full Throttle Theatre. The performances were quirky and creative and added to the enjoyment of the event. Information on the complete public program is below.

Education program

20 schools attended (Refer page 12)

Drop-in Workshops

15 free drop-in workshops for the general public took place along The Strand during the exhibition. These workshops were very well received by Strand visitors. Conducted by artists, they included activities such as felting, wire and clay sculpting, drawing, and the making of pinhole cameras and light boxes.

Performances

Strand aLive provided the main performance element this year, adding a sense of fun and mayhem. This project incorporated a series of “live art” activities interacting with audience members. Other live components included daily Zen Raking at Helena

Rador-Gibson’s artwork and scheduled performances by local musicians The Lettuce Dance Band and The Pink Ladies on Jan Hynes 2009 Strand Ephemera entry Pink Piano.

Artist Meet and Greet

This event took place at the Gallery for exhibiting artists to get know each other

Official Opening

Staged at the Tobruk Pool the exhibition was officially opened by Cr David Crisafulli and awards were presented to artists.

Main Exhibition Tour

Guided by Strand Ephemera co-ordinator Pam Lane, each exhibiting artist was offered the opportunity to give a 2 minute talk about their artwork on site. This tour was very well attended.

Public Art Symposium

Exploring contemporary public art, the symposium included presentations from Sebastian Di Mauro, Senior lecturer at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University and is an established public artist and Daniel Wallwork, emerging public artist based in Cairns, and Robyn Daw, Art+Place, Arts Queensland. The symposium was followed by Speed Pecha Kucha for Strand Ephemera artists.

Throughout the exhibition 300+

Throughout the exhibition 100+

Thursday 1 Sept 6:30pm 45

Friday 2 Sept 7pm 300+

Saturday 3 Sept 9:30am– midday 100+

Monday 12 Sept 6–9pm 68