Local and interstate artists IMAGINE ALICE

Three artists from distant parts of Australia are getting the feel of Alice Springs by camping out in the Todd River with local artists.

The gathering is part of the IMAGINE ALICE symposium, a week long forum where artists get to know each other and develop ideas and concepts for installations, exhibitions and associated events for the IMAGINE ALICE program – one of the highlights of art at the heart.

Lucy Kenneth in addition to being the director of RedHOT Arts and a director of Regional Arts Australia, is one of the organisers for IMAGINE ALICE and says it is the beginning of a most exciting and art filled couple of months for this town. 

“It is all part of the lead up to art at the heart, Regional Arts Australia’s sixth national conference which is being held in Alice from 3 to 5 October,” said Ms Kenneth.

“IMAGINE ALICE is one of the preliminary events leading up to art at the heart which will bring many hundreds of artists and arts workers here from right around Australia.

“Sitting around the campfire in the banks of the Todd this week will be a great way to get the sparks of inspiration flying as we all prepare for IMAGINE ALICE which will launch on 11 September 2008.

“What I can confirm is that IMAGINE ALICE will give locals and visitors an experience like no other, with the work of local and interstate artists dotted throughout the town.”

IMAGINE ALICE is an initiative between two of the town’s leading arts organisations RedHOT Arts and Watch this Space.

Art at the heart conference coordinator and artistic director, Kieren Sanderson, says IMAGINE ALICE is the local artist’s way of welcoming the hundreds of delegates who will arrive for art at the heart in October.

“Local artists are planning to welcome visitors by showing them in an artistic way how their perceptions will change over time, while their knowledge of the town’s history and cultural structure increases,” she says.

Registrations to attend art at the heart close on 15 September 2008 and can be made online. For the full conference program visit www.artattheheart.com.au. 

Conference inquiries Nicky Schonkala 08 8951 1152
Media inquiries Vivienne Skinner 0411 206 224
IMAGINE ALICE inquiries, Lucy Kenneth 0405 666 343

The Australian Government supports Regional Arts Australia’s national conferences through the Regional Arts Fund. The Australia Council for the Arts supports the artistic program for the conference. The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is supporting Indigenous participation in the conference. The Northern Territory Government is hosting the conference through Arts NT in collaboration with the Alice Springs Town Council.