HOTA CREATES JOBS FOR ARTISTS

In a commitment to keep artists employed and creating, ArtKeeper is HOTA’s response to the conditions created by the pandemic, and the 2021 iteration of their Creative Development Program which launched in 2019.

The program has already supported 63 projects involving over 120 local artists, provided $230,000 in direct cash support and hundreds of hours of in-kind labour, space, and assistance to develop and deliver new works.

CEO Criena Gehrke shares HOTA’s vision for the ArtKeeper initiative.

“We always say that you can’t be the Home of the Arts without having a deep commitment to supporting artists. ArtKeeper is a simple commitment. HOTA will employ artists on the payroll to provide them with job security whilst supporting them to do what they do best – create art,” she said. 

“We know this continues to be a hugely challenging time for the sector across all areas of our industry. The only thing we’re certain of is uncertainty, and that we can’t be the Home of the Arts without artists.”

“We’re committed to making a contribution to improving certainty, security and opportunity for artists. We value the essential contribution of artists to society and want to support them to keep creating.”

“Through ArtKeeper, we’re creating the opportunity for three fixed-term contracts available for artists to work, as artists, at HOTA - and we’re excited to have them around.”

The successful candidates will be put on the payroll for three days per week from October 2021 through until February 2022. They will work onsite at HOTA, across a range of spaces including the recently launched $60.5 million HOTA Gallery, depending on their artistic practice and requirements.

There will also be the opportunity to deliver public outcomes aligned with the precinct’s upcoming programs across the summer months. 

It’s part of HOTA’s ongoing commitment to helping artists connected to the Gold Coast region to take risks, experiment, and create great art during a time they need it most. 

“At HOTA, we want to make art accessible and that starts by supporting art-making and providing a platform for creative development, presentation and collaboration for artists through initiatives like ArtKeeper,” Criena added.

Artists will need to propose a project, idea or workplan to deliver during their time with HOTA, as well as keep a digital diary for the duration. These ideas can be based on any art form or artistic practice honed by the individual artist. 

HOTA has engaged internationally acclaimed playwright and artistic director, Wesley Enoch AM, as Provocateur for the roles, to ask key questions for artists to consider as they create, provide feedback, and support the artists throughout their contract.

“We have to find ways to support artists through this time, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because artists help us understand the world we live in. Artists and creative thinkers shape the way we see the world, explore complex ideas and help bring us together,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is a place full of creative thinkers who often get lost in the shadow of the tourism and lifestyle image of surf, sun and beach. Artistic endeavours, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit are the human face of the Gold Coast.”

Applications close on Monday 13th September and shortlisted applicants will be contacted in the following weeks for an interview to discuss their suitability for the position.

This initiative is a demonstration of HOTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the City’s cultural and artistic evolution.

For more information on the ArtKeeper program and position description, visit their website: hota.com.au/artkeeper

-ENDS-

FOR ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: 

Amy Stalinescu | M10 Collective | E: amy@m10.com.au | M: 0411 789 195

IMAGES: Images available for download HERE

ABOUT HOTA’S CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

In 2019, HOTA’s inaugural Creative Development Program offering flung the doors open for 12 projects to spend significant time in development on site at HOTA, in conjunction with support from the City of Gold Coast. If you were lucky enough to see the premiere of the outstanding dance theatre work Glass Child in March 2021, or you’ve attended a Stories in the Key of GC event curated by Cold Ghost and hosted by Bern Young, you’ve experienced some of the outstanding projects by local artists that HOTA backed from their inception. 

In 2020, HOTA were forced to adapt their original program offer, but proudly supported 51 digital projects developed and delivered online at rapid speed through their Rage against the V(irus) call-out. You can still view many of the works online here. HOTA also fast-tracked the commissioning of 19 local artists to make and present work for the new $60.5 million HOTA Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Sold Gold: Artists from Paradise.