visit to UAP factory

Source: screen shot from google maps


Source: ABC. 2017 Urban Art Project factory interior photo by Rosanna Ryan. URL: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-02/tow-row-judy-watson-fishing-net-sculpture-goma-turns-10/8082646,

What was the event ?
In week 8 trimester 1 2017 the class visited the Urban Art Project factory. Meeting at 10:15am outside Northgate Train Station. The tour at UAP went from 10:30 to 12pm. Our guide for the duration was Saskia Gilmore, Assistant Curator at UAP and graduate of griffith university.

Preperation for this event was to wear comfortable covered shoes, have a supply of water and bring anything you personally require while we are on a field trip (pens, paper, food etc).

What is the space ?
Urban Art Projects is a specialist design consultancy creating site‑specific public art and design commissions for architectural and landscape environments.
Urban Art Projects' collaborative approach provided artists the space to develop ideas, investigate materiality, deliver projects and extend their practice. ... These days UAP collaborates with architects and designers as well as artists.

The tour covered:

• Discussion of the process of artwork creation through to shipping and installation onsite, the example was given of the paper works. Which were to be installed with magnets to be suspended in the air.
• Sand casting of larger works
• The assmebly process of large "wind" kinetic works, including the process of painting. Of which they use a specialty paint and a brief discussion of the transport and installation.
• Discussion  of Saskia's role at UAP as an assistant curator.
• Examples of applications for public work installations including shopping centers. Another was the appropriation of  Olafur Eliasson's The Weather Project in the Turbine Hall, Tate Modern. Saskia mentioned that they use artworks in proposals as they are aware that often the potential client has limited artistic knowledge, and they figure once they have secured the commision.
• The hero page/word was a key aspect to their application process
• A look at their scouting and selection process of artist whos works they feel could be applied to large public installations

image source: The Weather Project. URL: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5f/c3/38/5fc338c3ec00273ca3fd6685727e0b1e.jpg (Accessed 28 may 2017)

Take aways ?
I am aware now after the visit that my current works would not be suitable for the UAP. Especially now that much of my practice employs primarily digital technology,