Survey 2010

The South West Survey is experiencing a number of firsts this year as it celebrates its 21st year history. Curators Dr David Bromfield and Dr Pippa Tandy completed a curatorial residency across the region to research, explore and critique the visual arts industry across the South West.

After visiting almost 200 artists across the region, curators Dr David Bromfield and Dr Pippa Tandy had the arduous task of selecting the exhibiting artists. Having such a high standard of works across the region a total of 67 artists were selected to exhibit and feature in the associated catalogue.

“We drove more than 9000 kilometres in under three months, in search for the most interesting work for the show,” said Tandy. “We found far more good work, of all kinds, than we could include in this exhibition. It was very difficult to make a choice.”

The Survey 2010 exhibition features a range of mediums and subject matters to bestow a solid representation of work coming from the South West.

“Our most senior artist has been exhibiting for more than fifty years while our youngest are teenagers,” said Bromfield. “The Survey is now a unique institution. Nothing like it exists in Perth or, as far as we know, anywhere in Australia. It has been a privilege to work with the artists and the gallery on this very exciting event.”

The exhibition catalogue will be one of longevity for the region, presenting the research of the visual arts across the South West. It features information and an artist’s page from each of the exhibiting artists as well as an essay by Bromfield highlighting the pros, cons and challenges faced across the region within the industry of visual arts.

With the overall exhibition and associated programmes costing in excess of $150,000 this has only been possible through contributions provided by private funding such as the Sidney Myer Fund and the Ian Potter Foundation and a number of government funding bodies including the Royalties for Regions, Department for Culture and the Arts and Country Arts WA.

Being one of the most exciting features of the galleries annual calendar, the street party opening on Saturday, 13th February from 7pm will bring many people to the region to truly experience the art in the commemorative atmosphere.

The exhibition will run until the 11th of April. The galleries are open daily from 10am to 4pm and entry is free.