ArtSeat Newtown - Public Dance Space for Emerging Artists

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A public space providing emerging artists with an opportunity to showcase their work. Inner West Council’s ArtSeat has been delighting, intriguing and challenging Newtown’s residents and visitors since September 2011.

The ArtSeat is a permanent structure in Newtown Square that provides local, emerging and established artists with a space where experimental and non-commercial art can be showcased.

The very first artwork in 2011 featured striking photographic images created by new media artist r e a, of the Gamilaraay people. The first for 2021 was by Kieran Butler to mark Mardi Gras.

Keiran’s work (pictured), This is but a horizon we are working towards, was a “visual and aural beacon where audiences can meet to feel hope, take care, and be with their community.”

They said the artwork “is a reminder that as a community and individuals, LGBTQIA+ people still have a long road ahead to a future where we are able to freely live our truths.

“This road moves toward a horizon that is unknown and constantly changing and this constant change is OK.

Late last year, Lynne Fairy’s work was installed in December at the ArtSeat.

Her work, Snapshot of Australia Street 2010 - 2016 A love letter to Newtown, comprised her poem and photographs by Leigh Howlett, taken in Australia Street Newtown, when they both lived there between 2010 and 2016.

“This is a true story of the people and animals that we passed on our daily walk up Australia Street on our way to the station,” Lynne said.

Next time you’re in Newtown, make sure you check out the ArtSeat, adjacent to Newtown Town Hall on King Street, opposite the railway station.

www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/living-arts/public-art-and-placemaking/current-public-art-projects/newtown-artseat

The latest ArtSeat is a commentary on how Sydney perceives its creative community, and asks, “Who is the beating heart of Sydney, the creative-creators or profit-makers?”

Creative Space, Creative Capital by Elia Bosshard is an ad-style poster that queries what creative space, and creativity itself, actually is.

Elia has used authentic Sydney real estate signage, designed to capture attention like a property ‘for-sale’ sign.

“Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to live and work in the world,” she said.

“For local artists, it is an ongoing struggle maintaining access to the cultural centre, which paradoxically, thrives on and profits from the arts community.”