“Women behind the Wheel”
Tasmanian Regional Arts is pleased to announce the opening of the popular annual art award and exhibition Material Girl 2011, in celebration of International Women’s Day.
“The history of International Women’s Day is a history of taking action and is about remembering the battles long fought to build a society that is just and fair to all its members; a society in which diversity, tolerance, safety, social justice and equality between women and men is a given. And it’s about celebrating what women have done in the past, are doing now and can do in the future.
International Women’s Day has extra significance this year, because 2011 marks the global centenary of International Women’s Day.” Ella Dixon Regional Manager (North) of Women Tasmania.
This year’s Material Girl theme of “Women Behind the Wheel” fits with how women have taken charge and driving much of the changes.
Since 2002 Material Girl has been building the profile of women artists in Tasmania and focuses attention on the issues which influence their work. A regular fixture on the arts calendar it is an instigator of inspirational new work. The amazing talent and diversity of Tasmanian works this award attracts has always been one of its strengths. Although it began as a showcase for textile based works, artworks in any medium are now accepted and demonstratethe range of outstanding creativity of Tasmanian women artists.
“Women have been driven to create.. Take the opportunity to admire, ponder, relish and enjoy their creativity!”
The exhibition opened at the Coastal Art Gallery in Burnie, a beautiful light filled venue which presents a regular program of workshops and art classes run by Burnie Coastal Art Group.
Gallery visitors have the opportunity to select their favourite work and enter the People’s Choice Award before the end of exhibition period Thursday 21st April,2011.
A special workshop in “mIxed media” titled “The Wheel” will be held at the Coastal Art Gallery on Saturday the 2nd April, 2011 from 9:30 -3:30p.m.. Cost $25.00
Selected works will then tour the state through the Tasmanian Regional Arts touring program hosted by regional communities: New Norfolk in May, Deloraine in June, Launceston in July, Smithton in August, Ulverstone in September, St Mary’s in October and George Town in November.
The Winners of the following awards will be announced at 6:00p.m.tonight:
Rio Tinto Alcan Award for Overall Excellence $1500
Premier’s Award $1,000
Zonta Award for Highly Commended $500
Zonta Award for Young Emerging Artist $500
Tasmanian Regional Arts acknowledges the generous support by Zonta International, Rio Tinto Alcan, The Department of Premier and Cabinet, Community Development Division and Burnie Coastal Art Group.
Further information can be found on the Tasmanian Regional Arts website: www.tasregionalarts.org.au or by contacting the TRA office on 6426 2344.
Teresa Beck- Swindale
