Shotgun is a unique and flexible curatorial model. Described as a ‘shot in the arm’ or ‘fast tracking’ for artists, Shotgun sets out to enable development – that may take a number of years for individuals to self-organise – to occur over a short and concentrated period. The program has taken many forms, including: exhibition; mentoring; meetings with visiting industry professionals (artists, curators, producers, writers and gallerists); a residency at home model; workshops; discussion events; symposia; interstate visits and commissioned texts.
While we speculate that much of the value for participants is characterised by a ‘slow burn’ over a number of years there has been demonstrable benefits, most visible being the ambition and assuredness of work developed for the Shotgun exhibitions, an increase in individuals confidence and the numerous opportunities that have ensued post program. Harder to quantify, but perhaps of more importance in creating traction for artists over the long-term, are the industry relationships fostered through the project – yes, we are speaking networking opportunities. We acknowledge that these collegial relationships drive and sustain art practice today.
