Written by Anushka Vineet
So, what is art? Everyone concedes that art is a word that includes a variety of things, not just the archetypal painted picture. The Oxford Dictionary defines art as “the making of objects, images, music, etc. that are beautiful or that express feelings”. However, art is more than just that. Art is like medicine: its function is to make one better.
It has been proven that art reduces stress and anxiety, improves brain function, boosts your self-esteem, and improves communication and opportunities for socialisation. So, shouldn’t we all partake in a bit of art if the benefits are for the betterment of oneself?
This past winter break, while stuck in my sharehouse with no housemates, few friends still in Canberra, and sub-Arctic weather, I admit I was a bit bored. How does one pass the time? Through countless diamond art projects from the one-dollar shop, and in a more whimsical and expensive purchase, my Yamaha Electric Piano from Facebook Marketplace.
Through rediscovering a creative passion, even an isolated Canberra winter (and some seasonal depression) can become manageable, maybe, shockingly, even enjoyable.
So, let’s get around the arts! Let’s celebrate the arts! Observer is here with resources to help you find your next artistic venture and introduce you to all the student art that Canberra has to offer.
@artcalendar.cbr found on Instagram, is a new venture to help people “stay up to date on local exhibition openings, artist talks, lecture series, and more on Ngunnawal country”. With weekly updates highlighting events to come, this is a great page to follow to remain up to date with the Canberra visual art community.
Craft + Design Canberra is a “not-for-profit membership-based organisation which supports artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers”. On their website, there are many different student artistic creations to buy. They also have a physical Art Gallery within the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) in the city.
ANU also has their own gallery within the School of Art & Design with the explicit purpose of presenting “graduate and post-graduate work” by students. Upcoming exhibitions are listed on their website.
BMA MAG is both a website and a free magazine distributed throughout Canberra, published fortnightly. It is one of the city’s biggest publications, focusing on musicians and artistic profiles. Copies are scattered around campus in numerous cafés, as well as the School of Art & Design, and the School of Music.
Lastly, the power of Facebook events, Schmidtposting, and community noticeboards should not be underestimated! Many events, such as fundraisers and student-run concerts and shows, are advertised on Facebook. Fundraisers like this one held by music students Dantes Costas, Jojo Yuen and Issie Brown, can help financially support local artists and help you have a great night out.
Graphics by Shé Chani
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