Intermission Project has been curated by Goodie, a 23-year-old mural artist, on behalf of Melbourne street-art network Juddy Roller, and sprawls across three floors of what was formerly the Collingwood School of Art and Design.
‘I wanted to include people who would experiment in the unique space,’ Goodie tells us, ‘I was keen to showcase a range of artistic practices and modes of exhibiting, ranging from sculpture, installation, graffiti, painting and performance, from artists of different ages, genders, backgrounds…’
Now vacant, the building itself has been around since 1871, but unlike a lot of sites in the area, is not condemned to become another block of shiny apartments with an underground carpark. Soon, construction will begin to develop this former TAFE into the Contemporary Arts Precinct; a working arts precinct and cultural hub that supports the local art community (you may recognise it also as the location of TDF Open House 2017!)
Goodie’s aptly-named experimental project takes place in this ‘intermission’ before re-development, with artists given absolute freedom to realise their ideas, is a nod to the creative past and future of the space. ‘We are very much just adding to the intrinsically interesting vibe that the building already has going on!’ Goodie says, ‘It’s an immersive whole site intervention to navigate through and view artwork in.’
In a week’s time, the exhibition will be over. Soon after that, the building will be redeveloped, and the works will go with it. But according to Goodie, the temporary nature is what it’s all about: ‘The work isn’t archival or precious. It’s important, but is not made to last forever… the documentation might, so the process is interesting!’
‘Intermission Project’ Group Exhibition
Opening Saturday January 13th, 3pm – 6pm
Exhibition runs January 14th – 21st, 10am – 4pm
Contemporary Arts Precinct
35 Johnson Street
Collingwood
