Guest Gallery has held their first ‘Connect Night’ art exhibition at Society City showcasing the talent of Wollongong’s local visual and music artists.
Organised by local organisation Guest Gallery, the unique event featured a range of purchasable exhibition art, a lineup of talented musicians and an open bar.
Featured artist Molly Rose Duggan, 20, accredited the high audience engagement across the event to the effective fusion of visual and performing arts.
“This exhibition definitely has lots of people that actually look like they’re enjoying themselves,” Miss Duggan said.
“I think it’s because of the collaboration between the visual arts and the live music.”
Event entry and participation was free, whilst the profits generated from the sale of merchandise still remained wholly with each artist.
Wollongong Art Gallery currently charges artists for monthly rent, publicity and other installation costs that can be financially restraining for aspiring artists.
“We’re very lucky to have a non-for-profit organisation like this who are willing to help local artists and musicians,” Miss Duggan said.
The focal point of the event was placed on connection between like minded artists, centring on community values and exposure for underrepresented talent.
Featured artist Bella Taylor, 19, spoke of the impact of the success of local exhibitions in encouraging small artists to continue to create.
“It brings motivation to artists,” Miss Taylor said.
“These events make me want to create and put out more work.”
The University of Wollongong currently only offers ‘Live Art Week’ dedicated to the appreciation of its visual art students, forcing students to find their own means of exposure.
“UOW should really be utilising Wollongong’s student artists,” Miss Duggan said.
“More exposure there would be really good.”
The creative arts culture in Wollongong is becoming more accessible for growing talent in the region through non-for-profit organisations such as Guest Gallery and Society City.