Canberra’s arts patrons are changing things up
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Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation (CAPO) is gearing up for a huge annual art auction and gala next month.
And it is proud to show off a new patron in Patricia Piccinini.
The Canberra-raised hyper-real artist has received international acclaim but said she still remembers the joy and validation she felt after receiving her first artist’s grant as a much younger, and financially-strapped, aspiring artist.
The ANU graduate praised the work of CAPO which, for more than 30 years, has supported and elevated the work of local artists, providing over $2.3 million in fellowships and awards since its establishment in 1983.
This year CAPO is changing things up, gratefully farewelling TV personality and ANU School of Art alumnus Paul McDermott as patron and welcoming Patricia who will join guests at the annual fundraiser and art auction on November 3.
Having held this event at the Canberra Museum and Gallery for the past four years, the venue is also different this year – taking over East Space at Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes.
CAPO’s business model is to encourage talented young and emerging artists donate their work for a giant auction. CAPO starts bidding at just 50 per cent of the value of the work, meaning it attracts a crowd who may normally be frightened off from purchasing an original artwork. Proceeds go to supporting the artists themselves and sponsoring a number of prominent art awards.
Patricia said she was thrilled to be part of an organisation which had devoted decades to “facilitate the production of art and help promote the culture of art-making in Canberra. And they do it in such a selfless and stylish way”.
Just back from a Vancouver sculpture exhibition, Patricia is now preparing for a joint exhibition in Victoria featuring the works of the late Joy Hester before she focusses on a showing in Copenhagen in February.
“I have a warm feeling when I return to Canberra,” says Patricia, who certainly ignited cultural debate around art when her Centenary project Skywhale took to the skies in 2013.
More recently her work astounded audiences who thronged to the National Gallery of Australia’s Hyperreal exhibition.
“All art is important, and the need to get support and recognition for art is important. Remembering back to when I was a young artist, I got to experience how affirming it was to have someone believe in you financially when I received the CAPO equivalent artist’s grant from Pat Corrigan. It was a few hundred dollars, around $30 years ago, but it felt fantastic because it meant I could focus on my projects.
“These sorts of grants are vitally important – they do allow artist to make and show their work and they support curators as well. It brings people together and elevates the importance of art.
“CAPO has created a great link between promoting local artists, and encouraging sales of their work. The money then supports artists. It is a clever and wonderful mechanism and I am excited to be part of it.”
If you are interested in seeing some of the artworks which will be up for sale at the November 3 gala, you can find the catalogue here.
Tickets to attend the gala, which has a “Nautical but Nice” theme, can be purchased here.
the essentials
What: 2018 Annual CAPO Auction Gala
When: Saturday 3 November
Where: East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace Parkes
Time: Silent Auction viewing from 7 pm, live auction from 9 pm
CAPO receives generous support from the Canberra business community including HerCanberra, which is a proud sponsor and supporter of CAPO’s artistic endeavours.
Photos by Hillary Walker. Courtesy Dumbo Feather
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