Flying Arts has been hosting young artist development programs for more than 15 years. More than an art camp it is an opportunity for talented young artists in senior high school to come together in an intensive learning environment and extend their interests, learn about further training and career paths and mix with professional artists and peers.
In 2017, Art Enquirer was launched, offering young artists a development program in critical writing skills in partnership with the Institute of Modern Art. The program featured a two-day program from 12-13 May, with residential and day participation options for year 12 students from across Queensland High Schools. Participants experienced a unique immersion in contemporary art practice in galleries around Fortitude Valley Brisbane, and worked with established industry mentors to hone their writing skills and have their work published in a high quality publication.
The program was run from the the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. On Day 1, students were treated to a guided tour of two exhibitions at IMA.
Firstly, the art of London-based artist, Céline Condorelli who draws on historical and contemporary exhibition design legacies to create installations that bring the outside in, and inside out.
Secondly was Material Politics, bringing together a number of recent and newly commissioned works by Australian artists using everyday materials with a focus on those artists (including Archie Moore and Jemima Wyman) who use readily-available materials for more than economic reasons.
Following this students took part in a Cultural Tour of Brisbane, featuring guided visits to independent and public galleries and cultural institutions within Fortitude Valley. Galleries included Jan Manton, Philip Bacon, Heiser, Edwina Corlette and Artisan. In the afternoon, a visit to Yeronga Studios allowed participants to visit working artists across a range of practices, with the tour led by Tim Walsh from Milani Galleries. Artists included Dale Harding, Ross Manning, Gordon Hooky, Ryan Presley.
On Day 2, Students were guided through a Critical Arts Writing workshop, mentored by IMA Senior Manager Madeleine King. Participants respond to works experienced on the cultural tour and from the IMA.
After the day program, students submitted written essays, which were professionally edited and redrafted, to show the students the process from conception to print. The result is a newspaper format Art Enquirer publication, that student can be proud of, and to assist their career aspirations, particularly applications to university.