Applications open Monday 23 March 2023
Applications close Tuesday 25 April at 11:59pm ACST
For activity between May and October 2023
The Helpmann Academy and SA Power Networks Stobie Pole Project, supported by City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Post Office Projects Gallery+Studios.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Helpmann Academy have partnered with SA Power Networks to engage established, local artist Seb Humphreys, to mentor a group of emerging artists and create a series of public artworks embracing the SA icon, the Stobie Pole, to be installed on several Stobie Poles in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council area.
ABOUT SEB HUMPREYS
Seb Humphreys is an Australian visual artist know for his large scale mural work and Sculptures that explore the intersection of nature and the modern urbanized world. As a Mural artist Humphreys goes under the moniker ‘Order55’ and is recognized internationally for his distinctive style of transparently layered abstract paintings. He has many public works through out Europe and the Americas, as well as many successful projects over the last 15 years operating in Australia and New Zealand.
The unique gestural precision of his mark making has developed over the last 20 years to a point where he has expanded the limitations of the spray can. His distinctive fast motion stroke pattern allows a transparent layered composition to be sequentially built up, all the while leaving many visible traces of the underlying process. Operating in this way the paintings almost break down time into frames, fragmenting the observer’s perception by creating space and moments of pause between each visible plane.
Taking reference from nature, fantasy, science fiction and exploring perception beyond the traditional five senses, the paintings create surreal universes and resemble energy more so than matter.
Utilising many years of working with urban spaces, has more recently lead Humphreys to consultancy roles in off the plan projects. Leading creatively in the design phase of projects and finding innovative solutions to integrate public art into the fabric of urban developments. In an Australian first collaborating with JPE design studios and Convic Skateparks, the George Whittle reserve project presents a multi-functioned playground / skateable sculpture –The sculpture pays an ode to the Red Hen railcar and its significance to the street culture of the city; while infusing the structure with gnarly river red gum trunks expresses a chaotic yet harmonious intersection between nature and industry.
PROJECT SPECIFICS
Selected Emerging Artists will develop a series of works with an established creative mentor, developing their abilities and confidence in producing public artwork. The process will include workshops and development of ideas, as well as the close working relationship, collaboration and mentorship between the established artist and the selected emerging artists.
The artworks produced will be a series of designs to be fixed to SA Power Networks Stobie Poles in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. It is anticipated the artwork(s) will remain on-site for a period of two years or more. They may include 3D elements, painting, printmaking or other artforms suitable for a public art context.
Workshops to design and create the work will take place at Post Office Projects from May 2023 to August 2023. It is anticipated to take between two – four weeks to design and two – four weeks to create. The installation of the works will take place in October 2023 (exact dates TBC).
Artists will be provided a fee for the work and will be expected to attend regular workshops and take part in an artist talk and launch. The selected artists may be required to attend a briefing before commencing the work.
WHO CAN APPLY
This program is an incredible opportunity for graduates who are up to five years from their final year of study from Helpmann’s partner institutions to gain valuable experience in developing public art and site-specific commissions.
Submissions are open to individuals or teams of graduates, provided all applicants meet the eligibility criteria.
Click here to check your eligibility.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Applicants are required to answer two simple questions and provide supporting documentation and material.
Written response
- Why do you want to undertake this project?
- What strengths will you bring to this project?
Required support material
The following documentation and material must be provided:
- Artist CV (maximum two x A4 pages)
- Academic transcript
- Up to ten (10) images of your work (images do not need to be professional grade quality if not available)
Additional (optional) support material may be supplied such as reviews, press coverage of your work, website links or other material that you feel will support your application.
Submissions are open to individuals or teams of graduates/students, provided all applicants meet other criteria; teams will share the fee for one artist. Masters and PHD students and graduates are also eligible to apply (provided they graduated from BCA or BCA (hons) in the last five years).
Submissions must be made online via our website.
SELECTION PROCESS
Successful applications will clearly demonstrate how the program will contribute to your career development.
Applications will be assessed on:
- The impact the program will have on your professional development / artistic practice.
- How you will maximise your time while undertaking the program.
For queries about the project, please call the Helpmann Academy on (08) 7089 0720 or email info@helpmannacademy.com.au.