SHOTGUN: NEW WORK, INDUSTRY ACCESS AND CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT

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.

Program Information: www.shotgunonline.net

APPLICATIONS for Shotgun are currently closed

Artists for the early editions of Shotgun were selected through an ‘invitation to apply’ process, and in more recent editions this changed to an ‘open call’. The next Shotgun program application format and dates are yet to be determined.

Enquiries to Shotgun Curator Kylie Johnson – kylie@contemporaryart.org.au

PAST RECIPIENTS & PROJECT LINKS

Shotgun 9 Alex Davern

Shotgun 8 Eloise Kirk

Shotgun 7 Grace Herbert

Shotgun 6 Nadège Philippe-Janon, Robert O’Connor

Shotgun 2014 Ross Byers, Dean Chatwin, David Hawley,

Jason James, Tom O’Hern, Nicola Smith (non-exhibiting)

Shotgun 2013 Mary Scott

Shotgun 2012 Joel Crosswell, Lucienne Rickard

Shotgun 2011 Amanda Davies, Andrew Harper

Shotgun 2010 Scot Cotterell, Sara Maher, Cath Robinson