The newly established Home of the Arts (HOTA) artist fund, Rage Against the V(irus), provides artists based in Queensland’s Gold Coast with financial relief in recognition of the consequential challenges arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Attracting more than 100 applications, HOTA has announced the first recipients who will receive up to $1,000 cash toward nominated projects.
Agents of Confusion performance of ‘FIRE’, curated by The Walls Art Space. Photograph: Leximagery. Supported by HOTA’s Creative Development Program 2019
HOTA CEO, Criena Gehrke, said the venue’s temporary closure was not going to stop HOTA supporting the local arts.
‘These 12 artists represent some of the best creators living on the Gold Coast. For as long as this virus rages on, we will continue to support artists for as long as we possibly can. Their art will speak for itself, the artists and for HOTA,’ she said.
The line-up of local Gold Coast artists announced today included, Tim Baker, Thomas E.S. Kelly (Karul Projects), Dion Parker, Jay Jermyn, Kylie Chan, Matthew Gray, Amy John Roberts, Mark Gray, John Kaye, Sapodia Lindley, Pru Wilson and Scott French (Lovestreet Studios).
The creative works yet to be revealed, will start rolling out across the HOTA website and social media channels across the coming weeks, with more eligible local artists set to be announced every seven days for the next seven weeks.
Dion Parker with original artwork. Photograph: Natalie Popovski.
‘As a rapid response grant program, we wanted imperfect ideas. If anything, these artists have reminded us that their raw creative talent is what makes this city a great place to be, even during a pandemic,’ Criena added.
All nominated creative ideas require artists to produce an online outcome that can be streamed, posted or casted.
Applications received so far span a wide spectrum including comedy, dance workshops, animations, experimental music, songwriting hacks, fine art and conversation, as well as e-zines, photography and podcasts, to name a few.
Applications are still open until May 15 2020.
