Setting up an Artist-Run Initiative (ARI) Workshop
This ‘Setting up an Artist-Run Initiative (ARI) Workshop’ is powered by the City of Coffs Harbour in partnership with Arts Mid North Coast.
Setting up an artist-run initiative (ARI) is a powerful way for artists to create their own spaces for collaboration, exhibition, and experimentation. In this dynamic and interactive 3-hour workshop, you’ll explore the essential steps to building a thriving, artist-led space, from shaping your vision to curating exhibitions and securing funding.
Whether you’re an emerging or established artist, this workshop will provide the tools you need to take charge of your creative environment, collaborate with other artists, and build a platform for artistic growth. Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to:
· Define the purpose and mission of your ARI
· Build a team and choose the best structure for your space
· Secure physical or virtual spaces
· Develop programs and exhibitions
· Engage with your local community
· Create sustainable financial plans for the long-term success of your ARI
Take the first steps toward creating a space for artists, by artists. Perfect for those looking to further their creative practice and help foster a vibrant arts community.
Reserve your spot today!
Limited spaces available.
Arts Mid North Coast is proudly supported by:
City of Coffs Harbour• Bellingen Shire Council • Nambucca Valley Council • Kempsey Shire Council • Create NSW
Arts Mid North Coast works across the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti/Thunghutti and Biripi Nations on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Date: Friday, 7 February 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: The Workshop, Ground Floor, YAM (Yarrila Arts and Museum), Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour
Fee: $15 – Bookings Required
Artist Information:
SETTING UP AN ARTIST RUN INITIATIVE
In this dynamic and interactive 3-hour workshop, you’ll explore the essential steps to building a thriving, artist-led space, from shaping your vision to curating exhibitions and events, and securing funding. Perfect for emerging and established artists. You’ll hear from guest speakers who will share their experiences in running an arts space including their successes and challenges.
About the speakers
Stu Doherty is based in Port Macquarie, NSW, where he captures the beauty of the coastal landscape on Birpai land. A graduate of the National Art School (East Sydney Tech Design Studio), Doherty had a successful career in fashion design, teaching at Whitehouse Institute of Design and designing menswear for top Australian labels. Now painting full-time, he is also a key figure in The Wauchope Creative Hub, an award-winning artist co-op where he teaches watercolour painting.
Marc Renshaw specialises in printmaking and drawing with a Fine Art (Hons) from Curtin University. He runs Big Fig Arts, an ARI in Bellingen since 2012, offering creative classes, exhibitions, mentorship, and event management. Beyond visual arts, Marc is also a performer and musician recording under AIRLUME. Passionate about accessibility and inclusive arts, Marc continues to advocate for creative culture as a vital part of society.
Sara-Jayne Prince is the owner of Archive Mid North Coast, an ARI focused on bringing amazing live music experiences to our regional area. Sara is a photographer, promoter and artist manager. She started Archive in 2021 in a shared creative space based in a warehouse just out of Sawtell. The warehouse was home to a gallery, art workshops, live music and more. The warehouse closed in 2024 and Sara now runs Archive as a primarily music focused business, bringing life to character filled spaces on the Mid North Coast by putting on a variety of music events every month.
