Local artist Michael Sollis unveiled his installation 'Reticulum' at the University of Canberra Hospital today, which weaves together interviews from immunocompromised families with music inspired by the increasing isolation of the stars.
The artwork marks the final initiative funded through the ACT Government's Creative Recovery and Resilience Program (CRRP), established in 2021 to support artists in the wake of COVID-19.
Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne said the CRRP has provided a significant boost to Canberra's arts sector by building capability and creating jobs.
"A total of $711,000 was allocated through the Creative Recovery and Resilience Program to support Canberra's artists and creative industries.
"The program supported more than 300 artists, arts workers and other arts professionals and has led to significant increases in professional practice capability," said Minister Cheyne.
Programs delivered through the CRRP included:
- Creative Recovery and Resilience Forum with the University of Canberra – nine events that contributed to the ongoing growth of a well networked, more resilient sector.
- Residences in Digital Innovation and Cross-Sector Engagement with the University of Canberra and Belconnen Arts Centre – two artists explored digital innovation and two artists investigated working across sectors such as health and governance.
- Residencies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Cultural Practice, and Community Arts and Cultural Development with Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres – two artists explored community engaged arts practice and three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists further developed their practice.
- City Commissions with Contour 556 – three new works commissioned from local artists to explore the impact of COVID on our communities and city.
- Arts Infinity Lab with Paper Giant – a six-week program of design-led workshops that supported eight artists and arts workers to communicate their practice
- Good Company with You Are Here – 16 local arts events producers were each granted $5,000 to support small live events in venues and businesses across the ACT.
- ACT Government Creative-in-Residence Project delivered by artsACT – six-month residencies for two creatives in ACT Government Directorates, exploring the work of ACT Health staff and the role of art in urban development.
- "The connections made between artists and arts workers provided for an invaluable post-COVID-19 environment supporting wellbeing, re-engaging in creative practice and enriching perspectives and ideas," said Minister Cheyne.
"Canberra's creative industries and arts sector are unique and valued by our community. It's wonderful to see such a diversity of artists and creative works supported through this program.
"I'd also like to thank the organisations that partnered with the ACT Government to deliver the CRRP, including the University of Canberra, Belconnen Arts Centre, Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres, Contour 556, You Are Here and Paper Giant."
