VIDEO artists from across the globe will participate in an innovative program at the Riddoch Art Gallery in October.
The inaugural International Limestone Coast Video Art Festival attracted entries from across the world and will explore the intersection between technology and art.
The festival was among 15 initiatives successful in securing funding through the Federal Government’s $146,000 Regional Arts Fund.
Arts, culture and development officer Serena Wong said the Video Art Festival was the brainchild of Riddoch Art Gallery director Melentie Pandilovski.
“He’s really interested in media arts and digital technology and how that interacts with how humans exist in the world,” she said.
“Technology plays an increasingly important role in our lives and also in making art and this is an interesting way of engaging people in art making.”
The festival will encompass a conference, exhibition, screenings, workshops and VJ (video jockey) performances.
“The festival has been in the works for a while,” Ms Wong said.
“We put out an open call in March and made a selection of really amazing artists, internationally, nationally and locally for what we feel is a really exciting program.
“We will take over the entire gallery with interactive technology on display and a virtual reality program upstairs at the Main Corner.
“We will have screenings in the dress circle every day for the first two weeks of the festival, so people can come and go and watch what they want.”
She added the festival would include a school screening program.
“Hopefully we will have a few school entries and we will screen five minute clips from groups of students from some of the local high schools,” Ms Wong said.
“We will have workshops with the artists to generate some more local content too.”
The International Limestone Coast Video Art Festival will launch on September 28 and run throughout October.
Australian Government Regional Arts Fund grants are distributed by Country Arts SA to support 15 new projects delivered by over 50 artists and arts workers across regional and remote South Australia.
“This is an impressive range of projects that reflect the depth and diversity of artistic practice throughout regional South Australia,” Country Arts SA chief executive Steve Saffell said.
“It is apparent that applicants are consulting with their local arts and cultural facilitator as this round was very competitive due to the high standard of applications.”
The Regional Arts Fund has an emphasis on youth, the disadvantaged, remote and indigenous communities and funding targets activities that will have long-term cultural, economic and social benefits for individuals and communities.
The next funding round closes on August 15 for projects that commence after January 1.
