ART is a major instrument which can be used to shine a light on social and environmental issues within society.
It has the power to tell stories, change perspectives, and help unite communities on various causes and issues.
I have recently witnessed such cases where art is being used as such a voice in Ipswich.
Last weekend we saw two art exhibitions engage people in dialogue about particular causes that are important to us and others in the community.
The first exhibition was in reference to celebration of World Environment Day 2023.
The Ipswich Lockyer Greens hosted ‘Swich to Green’ a postcard completion and exhibition.
Artists and creatives were invited to submit work for the exhibition keeping to the theme of protecting the environment by reducing our carbon footprint and fight against Climate Change.
The exhibition was held in the Ipswich Community Gallery were more than 50 artworks completed on postcard size recycled paper cards were displayed.
Information about climate change and saving our environment was part of this exhibition.
From the entered artworks 12 pieces were selected to create a calendar for 2024 which will express our need for change and the wellbeing of our environment.
We also saw Ipswich hold its first Pride Festival that weekend.
This event ‘Queerswich,’ was created by Rachel Vickery and Julie Herbert to celebrate the power of diversity and inclusion.
The event was a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries and that everyone is welcome with open arms.
The day was full of acceptance and unity where everyone stood together to promote love, equality and understanding.
As part of the festival an Art Exhibition was curated to showcase not only artists work but their stories as well.
ArtsConnect Ipswich Inc. and Pink Flamingo Productions Pty Ltd hosted an Art Exhibition ‘Friends of Dorothy’ as part of the Queerswich event.
Artists were asked to create works that express their own stories as a LGBTQIA + person, friend, supporter, or a family member.
It was their chance to have a voice and in all 18 artists submitted work and told stories that made you smile, laugh, cry and most of all wish for understanding, love and acceptance.
