The parallel worlds of design and art are inextricably linked as expressions of creativity and society. We fill our homes and lives with design and art for much the same reasons: to express ourselves through objects that bring us happiness and fulfilment.
To many art is “hands off”, as though we need to be part of an inner circle or belong to a clandestine group of ‘art world’ connoisseurs, if we are to properly appreciate it.
In a beautiful unassuming art gallery in Sydney’s Paddington, two art dealers have been hatching a plan to bring art out of the shadows and into the public realm to an extent never before seen in Australia.
When Michael Reid and Vasili Kaliman realised just how disparate Sydney art dealers and galleries were, they knew something needed to be done. The Art Month Sydney 2010 event will see gallery owners come together to promote art, reach out to the community and nurture the profession.
“It’s an educational function,” Reid says. “We’ve got programs across a whole range of various areas to cater for different tastes and demographics.”
Reid explains that the month-long celebration will involve “collaborations with artists and architects, artists and food, artists and contemporary music, artists and theatre, artists and design, artists and fashion, that kind of collaborative thing.”
The pair came up with the idea over coffee less than a year ago, and the program has already grown to include events from over 70 of Sydney’s leading commercial galleries, artist-run initiatives, public art institutions and auction houses.
“Art Month Sydney offers an entry point into Sydney’s thriving art scene. From the artists, to the openings, to building a collection – there is a world of art activity happening in Sydney,” says Kaliman.
“Art Month offers the chance for locals and visitors alike to become part of that world and to grow their understanding and enjoyment of visual art.”
Art Month Sydney runs 1 – 31 March 2010 in locations across the city.
Art Month Sydney 2010
artmonthsydney.com
