Creative conversations

This monthly series invites you to discover captivating stories within the visual arts realm and connect with our local creative community.

Led by art educator, Adrian Montana, each session begins with an informal gathering over a cup of tea or coffee, fostering connections among participants with a shared interest in art and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just starting your journey, this is an inclusive space for everyone.

Adrian guides attendees on a deep dive into the world of Australian and international artists, architects, or designers, offering insightful analyses of their unique styles, iconic works, and the societal and political themes that inspired them. This exploration provides a profound understanding of the works and the cultural context that shaped it.

Opportunities for community participation are at the heart of this program and after the presentation, the floor opens for questions and discussions. Adrian invites participants to express their thoughts and ideas in response to the presentation or share recent exhibitions they have seen.

Join us at Incinerator Art Club and be inspired by the themes presented that uncover great stories, and exchange ideas.

Art Club runs from 10.00am to 11.30am on:

• Thursday, 24 April – A special 2-part First Nations series of discussions will begin with a presentation about First Nations Voices in Artistic Contexts by a special guest presenter, Kalya Clinch (Badimia), Tutor of Indigenous Art and Culture Wilin Centre, The University of Melbourne.
• Thursday, 22 May – First Nations Series – Part 2 – Adrain Montana will discuss the work of contemporary First Nations artists including Nicholas Currie who has curated Big Smart, the exhibition on show at Incinerator Gallery during April and May.
• Thursday, 24 July – The Playground Project Melbourne – Part 1 The evolution of children’s playground design.
• Thursday, 21 August – The Playground Project Melbourne – Part 2 – Integrating play, architecture and design.
• Thursday, 18 September – The Playground Project Melbourne – Part 3 – Playground Pedagogy
• Thursday, 23 October – Visual Art and Dance Costume
• Thursday, 4 December – Wood, and it’s various applications in art, design and sculpture

Please note: We will do our best to keep to this schedule but dates and themes may change with limited notice - only people with a ticket will be notified of any changes to this program

April Art Club – Thursday 24 April

First Nations Voices in Artistic Contexts

Art serves as a powerful tool for political expression by layering symbology and iconography to convey meaning in ways that are both subtle and explicit, cathartic and repressive. Many First Nations artists, including Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, skillfully evoke these complex and contradictory emotions.

In April’s Art Club, our guest presenter, Kayla Clinch (Badimia) will explore how First Nations artists use their creative practices to amplify their own and their communities’ voices on political and social issues. The discussion will then focus on Karla Dickens’ billboards Mother’s Little Helpers on display at Incinerator Gallery, to consider how her work aligns with the broader context of First Nations art.

Kayla Clinch is tutor of Indigenous Art and Culture Wilin Centre, Faculty of Fine Arts & Music, The University of Melbourne and Gallery Attendant & Duty Manager at Incinerator Gallery.

Tickets

Presenter bio

Adrian Montana is experienced arts leader in Secondary and Tertiary education, art galleries and museums education and public programming. He has a demonstrated history working in the education management industry and is skilled in lecturing, research, editing, Curriculum development, and arts management. Adrian has a Masters in Educational Leadership (Monash University) and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art History and Music composition (La Trobe University).