#programlaunch

Artbank Program 2016 

Last Thursday at Artbank record crowds were welcomed to the opening of Counter Compositions. The first of four exhibitions programmed for 2016, Counter Compositions is a collaborative project between Artbank and emerging Australian artists Kate Vassallo and James Lieutenant. The artists worked closely with Artbank’s curatorial team to paint a series of vibrant colour compositions directly onto the walls of Artbank’s Sydney Gallery in response to accompanying works from the Artbank collection.

Speaking to an audience of close to 300 guests on the night, Tony Stephens, Director of Artbank, explained that “Counter Compositions is effectively a ‘discussion in art’. It is an organic evolution stemming from a ‘call and response’ between artist and institution – taking some of the finest examples of Australian contemporary art collected by Artbank over the past thirty five years - and contextualising them within the dynamic colour compositions of Vassallo and Lieutenant’s wall-based work.”

Tony also took the opportunity to launch Artbank’s ambitious program for 2016. This included announcing new partnerships with Artbank’s Official Conservation Partner, International Conservation Services and a creative partnership with DesignBUILD in Melbourne. Guests were delighted to hear that following Counter Compositions Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Brett Sheehy AO, will be curating an exhibition on ‘beauty in the political’ followed by an exhibition of Aboriginal artworks from the Artbank collection curated by Clotilde Bullen. The exhibition program for 2016 will conclude with a thrilling collaboration with four Australian designers working in interiors, architecture and fashion who will each partner with one of Artbank’s Art Consultants to create four distinct and immersive rooms.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events is the return of Renny Kodgers to a host a performance art exhibition at the Beresford in April. Building on the success of the trivia night hosted by Renny in 2013, this event will be sure to sell out so stay tuned for more information on ticket sales.

And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for issue five and six of Sturgeon magazine, an exciting new video commission in partnership with Melbourne Theatre Company as well as the return of the Artbank Social Club, bigger and better than before.