Outside In art exhibition in Christchurch expects a great turnout

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An exhibition opening at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch in the new year will feature artworks from a broad spectrum of artists, including artists with intellectual disabilities, local practising artists and art tutors, prisoners, and art students.

Bev Lowen is co-ordinating the Outside In exhibition with University of Canterbury’s fourth-year fine art student Gail Batchelor. Bev is also the Arts Facilitator of SkillWise’s community-based creative space The White Room, which provides a supportive learning environment where intellectually disabled people can make art.

White Room artists talk about the exhibition“An important part of making art is being able to share it,” Bev says. “The response from the Christchurch community has been fantastic and we expect a lot of interest and a great turnout for the exhibition.”

What makes Outside In different to many other exhibitions, Bev says, is its focus on the artworks rather than the artists, their stories and backgrounds.

More than 60 artists are expected to contribute art for the exhibition. Statements from the artist will be included in the exhibition catalogue but the artists and their stories will not be connected to specific pieces of art.

Looking at the art and not the artist

“A key aim is to have people look at the art and not the artist,” she says. “We want to eliminate any preconceived ideas and labels. It’s about breaking down barriers.”

In 2013, Bev was one of seven creative space leaders from around the country who participated in Arts Access Aotearoa’s mentoring project. She was matched with mentor Ana Terry, a graphic designer, artist, researcher and arts educator.

Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa, says he is pleased to see Bev’s leadership expand by instigating and co-ordinating the Canterbury Museum exhibition.

“The aim of the exhibition is closely aligned to Arts Access Aotearoa’s role of fostering an inclusive society where everyone can participate in the arts, as both creators and audience members,” he says. “The arts can help break down barriers and this exhibition will showcase art as art, without the labels.”

Outside In will run in Canterbury Museum’s  Visitors’ Lounge from  27 January to 22 February 2015. 

Website:www.artsaccess.org.nz