A.R.P. offers contemporary Sydney artists support for their practice by offering affordable centrally located studio spaces. Artists are able to create work in the areas where they live and work. A.R.P offers a professional support network including promotion and exhibition of Sydney contemporary art. ARP uniquely combines artists at different stages of their practice without barrier by offering studio space to established and emerging artists alike.
A.R.P. is a roving program finding buildings and spaces for artists to make their work. The program addresses the shortage of affordable space for artists in Sydney, retaining and nurturing local talent and innovation, creating a better city for contemporary art to be created in and enjoyed.
A.R.P was housed last year in a vacant industrial building on Cockatoo Island, Sydney harbour and was a huge success. A.R.P for 2011 has found a home within the Rocks precinct as part of the Rocks Pop Up Project where arts organisations are supported with affordable rent in vacant buildings.
The first group of artists to go through the program have found it to be of invaluable importance to their practice. Richard Goodwin, Mikala Dwyer, Justene Williams, Keg de Souza, Daniel Boyd, Margaret Roberts, Mari Velonaki and boat-people.org made up the first collective of artists in 2010. Many produced significant works that have gone on to tour internationally, thus giving the program and the previous location an international profile. Their practices include robotics, installation, video, performance and live art.
Artists Testimonials
"I am writing to both endorse and report on the Studio Program at Cockatoo Island for which I was lucky enough to be involved in. I have enjoyed this opportunity, together with other nominated artists. Knowing both the artists and the protocols of the island the director has done an excellent job in curating, organising and managing this initiative. It would be a shame to not see it continue to benefit Sydney’s artists. I have no hesitation in backing the director and endorsing the program for funding".
Richard Goodwin
"Inspirational and tremendously invigorating, this residency should become a continual program in Sydney’s art community for other artist to benefit from".
Daniel Boyd
"I am writing in support of A.R.P. I have found the experience to be extremely beneficial to my art practice. The time spent there allowed me a unique time for reflection and research. The work that has come from this experience will be developed into several projects. The first will be the included in the Sydney Biennale 2010 and later another work will be shown as part of A.R.P 2010 exhibition"
Mikala Dwyer
"I am most grateful for the experience to be part of such a unique and inspiring residency program which saw me working alongside established artists, Mikala Dwyer and Richard Goodwin. It was a fantastic opportunity for me as an emerging artist to learn from their practices. I give my unstinting support for the residency program especially to the hard work and vision of the director "
Keg de Souza