Introduction to the Fremantle Arts Centre Residency

For 3 months from February 1 – April 30, 2020 I am an artist in residence at Fremantle Arts Centre, close to Perth in Western Australia. Here is a little introduction about the residency and about the arts centre

What is an art residency?

There are many different types of residencies, but most residencies provide time and space and a creative environment to focus on their area of practice. My residency at Fremantle Arts Centre specifically is described as follows:

FAC is a multi-arts organisation that runs an Artist in Residence program, hosting artists from the local, national and international arts communities. As such, the artists selected to participate play an important role in building international networks for both themselves and local artists, and contributing to the ongoing artistic dialogue in connecting local artists and artwork in an international context.

FAC will support this creative research through the grant of a studio with additional networking and promotional opportunities offered through the FAC’s public program with events such as artist talks and open studios.  Dawn will also have access to FAC administration, marketing and events resources, as they are needed.

How did you get selected?

Applicants must submit an application including an intended project description with a cv and samples of work. The project that I proposed was to continue working on Distance and Displacement, which I started in Canada in 2018. My proposal as a pdf can be read here

Additional information on the Artist in Residency program here >

Lunatics, Artists, and Submariners, A History of the Fremantle Arts Centre Site

The imposing Neo-Gothic building in which FAC is housed has a fascinating and varied history spanning more than 150 years. Starting its life in the 1860s as a convict built lunatic asylum, this evocative limestone building has also served as a US Navy Submarine depot during WWII, a Women’s Home, a technical college and a museum. It has been functioning as an arts centre since the 1970’s after being saved from demolition.

To read more on it’s unique history view the full paper online here

Historical map and present day map of the building. My studio…studio 4 is located on the first floor which housed staff and nurses. On the other side of the stairs from the old Naval Base prison cells.