Fringe opens big can of whoop-art

February 10, 2008

Fringe opens big can of whoop-art

The New Zealand Fringe Festival 2009 opens the door on a new initiative to bring art to the people: Fringe Open Studios.

A journey of discovery lies ahead: More than 130 artists will open their studios to the public to allow artistic voyeurs to witness firsthand the inspiration and motivation which drives them to create.

And a bounty of colour also lies ahead. With the support of Resene, Fringe Open Studios presents the Resene Colour TXT Game. Hidden inside some of the artist studios are distinctively framed Resene colour swatches. Viewers can text the unique code on the swatches to 2343 and be in to win a very special commission from a Fringe Open Studios artist. The more codes people discover, the greater the chance they have to win.

The Open Studios concept is a series of self-guided tours around Wellington that presents a unique chance to meet artists, to discover how and where they create, and to browse, buy, poke and soak in the world of creation.

What awaits is over 130 established and emerging artists working out of 25 studios: home-grown New Zealand talent, as well as artists from all over the world; painters, sculptors, photographers and more.

With Open Studios, Fringe 09 is setting out to enhance understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts by promoting access and the spirit of enquiry.

Open Studios is not a new idea. In fact, it is seen all over the world, in communities great and small; wherever artists can be found. Though the programme and art on view may differ, the aim is always clear: Open Studios gives artists a chance to open their studios to the public, providing an opportunity for people to view first-hand the many talented artists at work.

Fringe is proud to present Open Studios as part of its 2009 programme and would like to thank the following for making this possible: Resene, Tranz Metro, Random Films, Roar Gallery and Pablo's Art Studio.

Free maps will be published in the Capital Times on Wednesday 11 February and can be found at Resene Color Shops Wellington-wide and from Fringe HQ. More information can be found at the Fringe website www.fringe.co.nz. Extra maps can be downloaded, as well as more information about the Fringe Open Studios artists.

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