Moree is renowned for its vibrant and diverse art scene, and this talent will soon swell as creatives from across Australia exhibit at the inaugural Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) Art Fair. The new annual event is calling on artists from within the district and beyond to submit their work to one of three categories that will make up the exhibition from Friday 28 June to Saturday 27 July.
Initially BAMM is seeking pieces specifically from artists local to the Moree Plains Shire, with BAMM Director Vivien Clyne explaining that these works would be included in one of five micro Exhibitions. “Micro Exhibitions offer local artists, or artist groups, the chance to build on their existing practice by developing a small cohesive exhibition around their own themes and style,” Clyne said. “This is a great opportunity for artists to experience the process of submitting an exhibition proposal which will be reviewed by BAMM’s exhibition committee.”
Each successful applicant will be assigned one of five gallery rooms in the BAMM building, with BAMM staff on hand to provide professional direction and support in curating and hanging artworks. Clyne encourages locals to get painting – or sewing, or weaving, or sculpting – with the exhibition open to all creative pursuits and media. “BAMM Art Fair aims to promote the work of local and regionally based artists. There are so many hobbyists, amateur and professional artists in regional areas, we hope the BAMM Art Fair will help them take their practice to a new level.”
For artists living outside the Moree region, or not quite ready for their own solo exhibition, BAMM Art Fair also features an open group exhibition. Artists across Australia are asked to respond to the theme Visions of Colour, with works of any media welcome. “We have already seen interest from a Narrabri based textiles group and I’d be thrilled to see ceramics, woodwork and other 3D artworks as well as paintings, watercolour and photography.”
Pieces for the Group Exhibition are due Monday 3 June through to Friday 7 June. The excitement culminates during the opening weekend of the BAMM Art Fair, which will feature a Gala Opening Night on Friday June 28, and an Art and Craft Market the following day, Saturday June 29 in the iconic BAMM Garden.
With participation in the BAMM Art Fair Market limited to 10 stall holders, Clyne believed it provided an excellent opportunity for artisans to sell their wares and trial new products. “We are putting the call out to all potential stall holders and will be assessing all applicants to the market as to ensure products do not overlap,” she said. We want to make sure everyone has the best chance to promote their work. The whole weekend will have a festival air about it which includes a celebratory cocktail party followed by a day of family fun and creativity. The full exhibition runs from June 28 to July 27, and all works on display will be for sale, with commissions contributing directly to BAMM’s program of art classes and workshops.”
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