One of Launceston's galleries, aiming to support telling stories that should be heard through practices that break tradition and take risks, is hosting its annual fundraiser in December.
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Sawtooth ARI director Zara Sully said the year had been an intense one for Sawtooth and its artists.
"I started the role about seven months ago, and we are still playing COVID catch-up in a sense," they said.
"One of the big things the arts are experiencing is there is a bank of shows now happening with a fresh mind. That's been really interesting to experience, and it's been going really well."
During the year, Sawtooth has exhibited many shows in its main galleries and member's space including Walk with Me, Travels plan, Peak Whale Oil, Earth Shapers, and Remnants.
Sully said their main objective while at Sawtooth was to give the community a voice and support the "arts ecology" that exists in Launceston.
"Ideally, our future vision is to become a cultural hub for emerging artists," they said.
"Not just visual artists, but filmmakers, musicians, the works. I think we have the opportunity and such an experimental space we are able to do that."
In line with that vision, there will be an open call early next year for artists and community members to get in touch with Sawtooth about their work.
However, before the new year gets underway, the gallery's annual fundraiser will be held to help sustain the organisation, pay artists, and also fund a new First Nations gallery space for emerging First Nations artists.
First Space will launch next year in March, but it will not be the first show in the gallery for 2021. That honour goes to a solo artist using the space on January 21 as part of the Mona Foma festival.
Artists have had a chance to submit their work to the fundraiser, which they can then choose 50, 75, or 100 per cent of the money to be donated to Sawtooth.
The cocktail party fundraiser will be held on December 12 from 2pm-4pm at the gallery, with RSVPs available through eventbrite. Food and drink will be on offer, as well as the art on display.
Sully said assisting artists to get back on their feet after COVID-19 was a goal for the future.
"Especially with experimental practice, it's extra hard to find your footing. You can't just make without space, and what we give is a space to experiment in," they said.
For Sully, 2021 has also been an opportunity to get to know Tasmania intimately due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
"This year has been pretty intense, but it's given me the opportunity to properly settle down and really fall in love with the place I live," they said.
The rest of the 2022 season of Sawtooth shows will be announced closer to their opening dates.
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
