Arts Leaders Appointed to Curatorial Panel for Major Public Arts Commission at Falls Creek Resort

Continuing its vision as a leader in high-altitude public arts and culture, Falls Creek Resort Management (FCRM) today announced the Curatorial Panel to steer its recently launched Gateway Commission.

The submissions, which close on Friday 11 May, will be assessed by an expert panel comprising Deputy Dean, University NSW Arts & Design Faculty Professor Marie Sierra, Professor Practice-led Research, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences Dr Chris McAuliffe and Bryony Nainby, Director Benalla Art Gallery.

With a higher than expected demand for the Artists’ Brief, the three-member team will have a demanding task selecting a group of finalists, who will be asked to develop their ideas for the proposed $300,000 public artwork to welcome visitors to the all seasons resort.

FCRM CEO Stuart Smythe said, “We are aiming for the work to become an overnight landmark of artistic significance, which will continue Falls Creek’s ambition to position itself as a leader in high-altitude public art.”

To further the ambitions of the recently adopted Arts & Culture Policy, the village supports cultural events including artist camps, exhibitions, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and film festivals. Two years ago it launched a summer artist-in-residence program which has seen many well-known artists creating new work in the area. The Falls Creek Museum is now open to the public and showcases the resort’s 70 plus years of activity.

In March this year, FCRM CEO Stuart Smythe launched calls for expressions of interest from established artists for the new public art commission. “We have been truly amazed by the response to our call out for concepts,” Mr Smythe said. “More than 80 artists have been in touch requesting the brief.”

“This new work will welcome people to one of Australia’s most picturesque alpine villages and it’s important that the work reflects the unique sense of beauty this location evokes for its half million year-round visitors,” Mr Smythe said. “Our expert panellists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience essential to choosing a work that honours the way people from all walks of life feel about Falls Creek.”

Priority themes for the commission include raising broad awareness and appreciation for Victoria’s unique alpine environment and creative development around alpine-specific concepts. The artwork will complement the commanding presence of the alpine peaks visible in this area, as such, it is expected that the successful work is likely to be of considerable impact.

A copy of the Artist Brief for the Public Art Commission is available now on request by emailing [email protected]

For further information in relation to this release, please contact Jo Prothero on 03 5758 1200.
www.fallscreek.com.au/arts-culture