Artist Alwin Reamillo is returning to Townsville to work with local artists to launch another large-scale community-based art project, and the artists need your help! The artists are collecting discarded fishing nets to transform into a submersible deep sea exploration vessel.

The Submersible sculpture will become the focus of an artistic exploration of what lies beneath the surface of our oceans, and also of ourselves, others and society. The artists aim to uncover and reveal insights to inspire broader social, cultural and environmental awareness.

“In order to collect enough nets to create the artwork, we are calling to the public to donate old nets they have lying around, and to help us scour the coastline to collect any that have washed ashore.” explains participating artist, Madeleine Challender.

“We are after old nets or parts of nets of any shape, size or colour and also fragments of old rope. The nets will be used to create the Submersible Vessel, as well as an array of sea creatures that will become shadow puppets for a performance.” Ms. Challender continues.

The Submersible Project will involve local artists John Bradshaw, Madeleine Challender, Marion Gaemers, Michelle Hall, Shane Keen and Leah McManus, as well as school students and members of the local community. The artists first came together to collaborate with visiting artist Alwin Reamillo on The Thuringowa Helicopter Project at Pinnacles Gallery in 2007. This was a residency project involving the construction of a 3m helicopter sculpture from crab shells and found materials.

“The Thuringowa Helicopter Project was a very successful project last year, so Alwin was enthusiastic to accept our invitation to return to be a mentor for this new collaboration. Townsville’s local community is very diverse and so many people seem keen to be involved in community activities. This really makes the difference for this kind of project.” Says Madeleine Challender.

Through the process of community based collaboration the artists continue to invoke the traditional Filipino practice of ‘Bayanihan’, which refers to community solidarity and cooperation to achieve a shared goal. These ideas were inspired by Reamillo, whose work is underscored by these ideas.

“Last time we were collecting crab shells, now it is nets, but again, we cannot do it without the community’s help. This idea of community participation to achieve a shared goal is very relevant to many challenges we face today. I hope everyone can help by contributing nets, and perhaps also we can clean up the shorelines in the process!” Ms Challender explains.

The artists are running a series of free shadow play workshops that will contribute to The Submersible Project: Friday, July 11 & Saturday July 12, 4-8pm, River Festival, Riverway Arts Centre; Friday, August 1, 5-8pm, The Strand Night Markets (beach area); and Saturday, August 16, 6-9pm, Cultural Fest 08 (beach area). The Submersible Project will culminate in an exhibition and performance at Umbrella Studio September 19 to October 12, 2008. The Last Nautilus: A Shadow Play seen from the Submersible Vessel will be performed at the exhibition opening, Friday, September 19, 2008, 7-9pm With music performed by PASCO (Pinoy Aussie Sports and Cultural Organisation)

Please drop fishing nets to Umbrella Studios: 482 Flinders Street West (or into rear car park on Ogden Street). Alternatively, please contact Madeleine on m: 0413 020 225 or w: 4772 4800 to arrange collection.

This project is supported by Umbrella Studios and The Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Townsville City Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

For further information please contact project coordinator Madeleine Challender on m: 0413 020 225 or w: 4772 4800 madeleinechallender@hotmail.com or Umbrella Studio Director Vicki Salisbury on 47727817 or director@umbrella.org.au

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