News Updates //
For media enquiries please email media@gaffa.com.au
NEWS: 31ST JANUARY, 2012
TWO NEW GAFFA INITIATIVES
SHELF SPACE
A new exhibition space on the gallery level
Taking proposals for February onward
The gallery reception area now features SHELF SPACE which is specifically for artists who would like to feature a miniature or abridged exhibition of work. Suitable for:
A single object (proto-type or sculpture)
A series of models or sketches
Small-scale contemporary craft and wearables
SHELF SPACE specifications:
-Measurements (40 x 240)
-Clear covers available (various sizes)
-Can be under-lit (light-box inside)
Proposal guidelines are the same as per the gallery level and cost for the use of this space is $250(inc gst) per fortnight.
THE 4TH WALL
Launching Gaffa's new dedicated screening room on the ground level
THE 4TH WALL refers to the convention in modern theatre of an imagined "wall" between the action occurring within the world of a cinematic or theatrical work, and its audience. Formerly prison cells, Gaffa's three-walled arcade spaces have long-since been re-purposed in the service of art and design; iron bars replaced by glass windows. As an extension of the gallery level, and to run as complimentary to our gallery program, Gaffa will be dedicating Arcade 4 on the ground level to the exhibition of Video art works and documentaries.
Taking proposals for March onward
As an extension of the gallery level, and to run as complimentary to our gallery program, Gaffa has now dedicated Arcade 4 on the ground level to the exhibition of Gaffa has now dedicated Arcade 4 on the ground level to the exhibition of new media works: particularly short films, video art, documentaries, and any other screen-based works.
Gaffa also encourages proposals from curators or groups of artists wanting to share the duration of the exhibition and create a joint "show-reel"
THE 4TH WALL can provide the following resources:
-One projector
-Speakers
-One DVD player
-Power boards and extension leads
Rough floor plan viewable here
Proposal guidelines are the same as per the gallery level and cost for the use of this room is available upon application.
NEWS: 18TH JANUARY, 2012
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the unsinkable Zoe Brand, our Collections Manager who has been with us for over two years, is moving onto new pastures and new adventures!
In her place, we have a lovely new Retail Manager, Amy Robson, and an Assistant Manager, Nina Baker. Two Zoes are better than one...that's not an actual saying, but it ought to be.
Below is an open farewell from Madam Brand herself.
2012 has arrived and it has brought all sorts of exciting changes with it. After two of the most amazing years at gaffa, the time has come for me to grip life by the shoulders and give it a damn good shake. You should know that it’s not you, it’s me, and I can’t thank you enough for all the support you have shown me over the last few years.
I really have had the most incredible journey and met and worked with some of the most wonderful and inspiring people.
But it is time for my adventures to take a different road, time for some silly escapades and to conduct some ‘Zoe Brand’ focus groups. This is not "goodbye", rather a chance to get to know me in a different capacity outside of the loving
gaffa community.
I can hear you ask, ‘but who’s going to look after me now?’ please don’t worry, I wouldn’t leave you with just anyone. I would like to introduce you to Amy Robson and Nina Baker. These two make one formidable duo: smart, efficient, and ever so enthusiastic. They are known for going above and beyond the call of duty and will greet you with a beaming smile every time. I must also make mention of gaffa’s remarkable director Kelly Robson, rock-star gallery manager J.D Reforma and all our amazing interns, they are all here to support, nurture and guide you through. See, you’re
in good hands!
My last day at gaffa will be Friday the 27th of January, please join us for gallery opening and farewell drinks from 6-8pm at gaffa.
What’s next for me? I will be working a few days a week at jewellery gallery, Studio 20.17, as well volunteering one day a week at the Powerhouse Museum, I will be making some jewellery, writing some words and traveling to far away
places. If you want to talk over beers about collaborations, projects, exhibitions, or the state of the Australian cricket team please feel free to drop me a line.
Thanks again for all your support, it is going to be incredibly sad to leave my home at gaffa, but I am also excited for my next grand adventure."
Zoe Brand.
NEWS: 6th January, 2012
Happy New Year! Jewellery Classes for 2012! Enrol now to secure a spot!
NEWS: 6th January, 2012
Prophetic Initiatives to take over The Meeting Room in January!
Prophetic Initiatives's new Headquarters can be found at Gaffa during the month of January where they will continue to practically undertake their mission to be a ministry to the art world. In the office space they will hold live conferences from around the globe, develop a 2012 seasonal vision while providing a complimentary advice service to any visitors who may pass by.
Developed in 2009, Prophetic Initiatives (P.I.) is made up of artists David Capra and Leahlani Johnson. In 2011 they were responsible for the exorcism of the white gallery plinth, performed at Blacktown Arts Centre, and made a public declaration 'that YOU have time' in Parramatta amphitheatre on the 11.11.11 at 11.11am. While offerings of their street ministry 'prophetic art stall' can be viewed at www.propheticartstall.blogspot.com
NEWS: 7th December, 2011
LAST CHANCE XMAS SHOPPING!
We will be holding a shopping xtravaganza December 20th until 8pm, where you can purchase gifts from The Gallery, Sterling, &company, Parable, Studio artists and Blackstar Pastry.
All welcome!
NEWS: 9th November, 2011
SPIspace Online Catalogue Now Live. Check it out here.
SPIspace was the second program to be implemented through Gaffa's Guest Gallery Initiative, and was curated by J.D. Reforma. The current Curator is Rosary Coloma, whose INTER-Projects program seeks to build links between the works of both emerging and established artists and designers.
NEWS: 26th October, 2011
NEWS: 12th October, 2011
FINAL POP-UP EXHIBITION:
JASON SIMS | BLACKBOX
Jason Sims’ work is difficult to categorize. It’s not quite flat art, although most of his pieces hang on the wall. It’s not quite glass art, although glass is arguably his principal material. And, it’s not quite installation art, although his work does transform the perception of space.
It is also rather ambiguous when represented in print. The magic doesn’t translate and his pieces look somewhat two-dimensional, even computer generated. In fact, images do them no justice at all; they necessitate actualization. To date, Sims’ oeuvre comprises three-dimensional glass
light boxes that reflect a real space upon itself creating the illusion of a never-ending tunnel. By manipulating the angle of the mirrors inside the box, Sims sends this tunnel off in various directions, round the corner or down into the abyss. Some of his works also include blown glass elements,
seemingly suspended in space, which disappear into the distance.
BlackBox presents new work in Sims’ ever expanding series of light boxes and also sees Within or Without back on display. Aptly named, the exhibition not only presents a series of black boxes in the physical sense but the works are also reminiscent of ‘black box’ devices - entities whose inners workings are unknown. Moreover, the title invites interesting
parallels between black box theory - the idea that a black box cannot be opened up and examined but rather can only be understood based on an analysis of inputs and outputs - and existentialism.
Although still only emerging, Sims has had considerable success in the first few years of his career. Within or Without won the 2007 Helpmann Academy Graduate Show People’s Choice Award. Sims’ work was exhibited in the group show SafARI, an unofficial fringe event to the Sydney Biennial
of Contemporary Art, 2010, held at Firstdraft. Last year ArtBank acquired three of his pieces for their collection, he was a finalist in the 2011 Tom Malone Prize, and his third solo show opened at A.P. Bond Aboriginal and Contemporary Art gallery in Adelaide in early September.
NEWs: 15th September, 2011
ART & AUSTRALIA Magazine setting up Artist Editions POP-UP shop in Gaffa's ARCADE 4.
ONE WEEK ONLY - September 20th - 27th
For one week only, Art & Australia will have their very own pop-up store as part of Gaffa's Arcade Project. More than a magazine, since 2006
Art & Australia has commissioned a series of artist editions to promote a more accessible way to collect top Australian and international artists. All
twelve artist editions will be on display and available for purchase along with A&A publications such as the current issue of Art & Australia
and Ampersand Magazine, and our survey publication, Current: Contemporary Art from Australia and New Zealand.
Come down, have a look and start your collection
today!
NEWS: 15th September, 2011
TONI&GUY YEN YOUNG AUSTRALIAN ART AWARD
Get your entries in for a chance to win a solo exhibition in 2012 here at Gaffa!
Entry form and additional information can be found here
Good luck!
NEWS: 5th September, 2011
THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE!
GAFFA: Setting Art Free
Anne-Marie Lopez interviews Gaffa Director Kelly Robson
We are so excited to be featured in this Sep/Nov issue of Australian Art Review! Grab your copy now
Subscribe to AAR here
NEWS: 18th August, 2011
INTRODUCING EXHIBITION #4
@POP UP GAFFA
IN AFFILIATION WITH THE ROCKS POP UP PROJECT
Opening drinks: FRIDAY 26th August 6.00-8.00pm
(Exhibition runs from August 27th - September 25th 2011)
Please RSVP to rsvp@gaffa.com.au
More info here
NEWS: 16th August, 2011
Gaffa, in conjunction with The Rocks Pop Up Project and Craft NSW would like to invite you to:
We are all connected, but how do we connect?: Developing interdisciplinary art and societies
A talk featuring artists Barbara Doran, Trent Jansen, Tamara Elkins, and Lisa Torrance. Each artist will give a five minute presentation outlining their creative practice in relation to this topic, which will coincide with a brief tour of their studio/ installed work.
ALL WELCOME!
When: Saturday the 20th of August
Where: The Red Room Company Clubhouse, 77 George St basement
Time: 2pm
The event will be followed by ‘Stitch and Bitch,’ an afternoon of knitted fun, sweet treats and English tea to coincide with Barbara Doran’s current exhibition ‘Elle A Donne’. Take some time out to reflect on the value of the ‘hand made.’ Doran’s series, ‘Elle A Donne’ explores a range of concepts associated with the Colonial and Victorian eras: periods when bespoke craftsmanship was the accepted convention. In light of this fact, ‘Stitch and Bitch’ has been invited to host an anfternoon of craft-related activities within this beautiful heritage-listed exhibition space.
Knitting, crocheting, chatting, tea-sipping, scone-eating - all in the presence of art and good company – are the perfect diversions to while away a winter Saturday afternoon.
Guest are welcome to dress-up in costumes befitting to either of the above periods, though of course, this is not compulsory.
When: Saturday the 20th of August
Where: #85 George street (Gaffa’s temporary Pop UP location)
Time:3pm, following the artist talk.
How much: FREE
VOTE GAFFA!
We are so thrilled to announce that Gaffa has been nominated for The Cultural and Creative Services category for this year's Sydney Business Award
It often takes a great deal of passion and perseverance to work in the creative industry and lovely news such as this is greatly motivating.
If you'd like to show some love click here!
After 4 solid years in Surry Hills, Gaffa is now in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and has evolved into a Creative Precinct.
As such, Gaffa seeks to foster a dynamic community of creative collaborations and partnerships.
Fundamentally, Gaffa is a cross-platform access space and we seek to serve as a resource to chart the continual evolution of our urban landscape through providing artists space to create and show their work to the wider public.
In an average year, we exhibit and work with over 170 artists from all artistic disciplines. The impetus of the way we facilitate the program is on maximizing audience cross-over and sharing between the artists networks. Also of the utmost importance, is fostering relationships between the artists themselves and to help instigate potential future projects.
At Gaffa we strongly encourage cross-platform and collaborative works. We believe that collective, project-based forms of creative development allow us to locate and access the best media, skill-bases and contexts to most effectively convey and challenge particular sets of ideas.
Pop Up exhibition #2 BIG DEAL | A solo exhibition by TIM ANDREW
Opening night pics from Friday 17th June (Exhibition open until 17th June) More info here
Event photography by our project partners Lyrebird Photography
The Pop Up Gaffa is officially launched!
Come on down, say hi and check out some amazing art work (Above photos by Lyrebird Photography)
Weds + Thurs 12-6 // Fri + Sat 12-7 // Sun 12-5
Thank you to our supporters and partners:
Arts NSW
The Sydney Harbor Foreshore Authority
The Rocks
Lyrebird Photography
Bespoke Communications
St Germain Liqueur
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WELCOMING OUR THIRD GUEST CURATOR TO GAFFA'S GUEST GALLERY
Launching in the Guest Space July 28th 2011 as part of Gaffa's SYDNEY DESIGN 2011 Program partnership
INTER-PROJECTS curated by ROSARY COLOMA
Inter- Projects will be the next incarnation of the the guest space situated at Gaffa Gallery, when Rosary Coloma takes over as the next curator-in-residence for the second half of 2011. Inter- Projects will be launched during Sydney Design festival in July 2011. The launch show for Sydney Design will be an interactive installation entitled “Lure With Bait, Strike With Chaos” - a collaboration between web designer John Smith and artist Liesl Hazelton. This first show is a perfect example of the curatorial program that Rosary has envisioned for Inter- Projects. Inter- Projects will execute a curated series of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary shows that encourage interdisciplinary collaborations between artists, designers and other practitioners of the arts and creative disciplines. Through this, it aims to explore new forms of shows in the context of a contemporary art space and new aesthetic dialogues that come out of collaborations.
About Rosary
Rosary Coloma wears many creative and entrepreneurial hats. Rosary is currently the director of Coloma Projects – a new creative enterprise based in Sydney, that carries out “project management for The Arts and creative industries” (which is Rosary’s “elevator pitch” to sum up activities ranging from curating exhibitions to writing and producing for the performing arts and then some). She is also currently undertaking a Masters of Business Administration with a major in Arts Management at the University of Technology Sydney. Rosary has a multidisciplinary background in the Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Design. She graduated from Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Jewellery + Object Design) 1st Class Honours in 2006 and has been involved in the area of Visual Arts/Contemporary Craft/Design ever since – both as an artist/designer and also as a writer/curator. One of the first things she did after graduating, was to join the team at Gaffa Gallery during its earliest incarnations before then flying off to do a two year stint in the United Kingdom and Europe (with London as her main base). In London she gained invaluable experience with esteemed organizations such as the Crafts Council UK, Designersblock for London Design Festival, Established & Sons and Gallery Libby Sellers.
Future plans – Rosary is interested in exploring the positive outcomes that could result from collaborations of creative enterprises with one of her other great passions – social enterprise.
THIS WEEK Rosary is in New York speaking at Salt Space for Monthly Design Review
To enquire about proposing to participate in this program please email info@gaffa.com.au
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JOHN FRIES MEMORIAL PRIZE 2011 CALL FOR ENTRIES
$10,000 cash prize
For conditions and an entry form visit www.viscopy.org.au
Entries close 5pm Monday 6 June 2011
Blackfriars off Broadway, 1 Blackfriars St Chippendale NSW 2008 Australia.
t +61 2 93102018 e viscopy@viscopy.org.auw www.viscopy.org.au
The John Fries Memorial Prize is an emerging artist non-acquisitive award of $10,000. This annual prize is open to all visual artists resident in Australia and New Zealand who are not enrolled students and whose work is not represented in the collection of a regional, state, territory or national public art gallery. Artists of all ages and disciplines, whether members of Viscopy or not, are eligible to enter. The prize has been donated by the Fries family in memory of former Viscopy director and honorary treasurer, John Fries, who made a remarkable contribution to the life and success of Viscopy.
2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE STARTING IN MAY: Position descriptions below
POSITION ONE OF TWO:
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TITLE: GALLERY OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
Gallery minder, maintenance and install assistant, general administration duties
Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (Wednesday and Thursday)
Gaffa is an independent creative space in the heart of Sydney CBD. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic team member who can work in a versatile and dynamic manner. The duties of Gallery operations assistant vary and include a range of duties, including gallery minding, assistance with exhibition installs, writing for promotion, funding and media, retail assistance, as well as general maintenance duties.
Gaffa is a creative environment, and the duties of staff members can vary quite extensively on a daily basis. Therefore we are looking for a staff member who is happy to work as an all-rounder, (and autonomously when required) in various duties on site. (From installing exhibitions to sales of artwork)
Some desirable skills include:
* Good communication and sales skills
* Ability to work with power tools and construction of install fit outs
* Ability to work with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Excel.
* Ability to write in appropriate formats for Grant writing, Media, as well as in house publications.
* Ability to maintain site inventories, including tools, perishables, Plinths and lighting.
Please send all CVs to Kelly, at Kelly@gaffa.com.au, with "job application" in the subject line by April 8th.
CV's should be no more than one A4 page and applications should include a cover page and 3 professional referees.
POSITION TWO OF TWO
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TITLE: GROUND FLOOR GAFFA OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
Sales representative, visual merchandiser, general administration duties
Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (Thursdays and Saturdays.)
Gaffa is an independent creative space in the heart of Sydney CBD. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic team member who is versatile and dynamic. There is a range of duties in this job, centred on the promotion and sales within our store Sterling, and retail arcades. Sterling is a modern retail space stocking contemporary hand made jewellery and objects.
Some of the duties will include general administration tasks, visual merchandising, as well as industry related research. Demonstrated experience in sales and retail environments is crucial.
Gaffa is a creative environment, and the duties of staff members can vary quite extensively on a daily basis. Therefore we are looking for a staff member who is happy to work as an all-rounder (and autonomously when required,) in various duties on site. (From discussing work with potential suppliers, to managing the Gaffa bar on our openings.)
Some desired skills include:
* Good communication skills
* Ability to use Adobe Publisher, Photoshop, Excel
* Ability to write in appropriate formats for Grant writing, Media, as well as in-house publications.
Please send all CVs to Zoe, at zoe@gaffa.com.au, with "job application" in the subject line by April 8th.
CV's should be no more than one A4 page and applications should include a cover page and 3 professional referees.
