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Vegas Spray.Com is an online gallery dedicated to the promotion and development of Brisbane Emerging Art so Design Federation decided to talk to the Travis Dewan the Vegas Spray director about all things Brisbane.
The Vegas Spray concept is pretty unique. Is it a model that is being used in overseas art scenes or is it a completely unique idea?
There are a few online galleries and art networking tools throughout the world – however VEGAS SPRAY.COM is unique in that itis a niche focus; I am all about the Brisbane arts. I started this concept to simply organise the arts from my city.
How is the internet allowing you to widen the exposure of new artists?
With the ease and access of the internet I am able to take the Brisbane Emerging Arts to a national and international audience instantly. The need for outside exposure in a small city like Brisbane is growing, and we have world stage talent here – its just about making and maintaining that identity – this is what I am to facilitate.
What has the feedback been from the participating artists and the wider community?
For other Artist Run Initiatives as well as arts organisation the general feedback is that they are happy to be able to go to one space and look at new and upcoming visual artists. The artists enjoy having a new audience view their work and also have increased their exhibitions in Brisbane through the site.
How do you see the Brisbane art scene at the moment?
It’s growing in a fast way – and everyone knows that it is – it’s really a reflection on the city and its culture – we, the Brisbanites are all about developing this platform into something substantial for the now and future.
How did you begin your work with the artistic community in Queensland?
I was born and raised in Brisbane, studied the visual arts at QUT and while studying was fortunate enough to be the assistant to the director of Art Promotions Queensland. After working here for about two years I decided to take what I learnt and focus that on what I love and am a part of – the Brisbane Arts.
Tell us about your next project For Us By Us?
For Us By Us is a collaborative project between 26 fashion design students and 6 local emerging artists. Inspired by the work of each artist, the designers will create garments that will be exhibited in fashion film. The premiere will take place on the 29th of October, 2010 at the Tribal Theatre in Brisbane
The collaboration will also be the subject of a feature-length documentary film exploring the themes of (1) creative capital and popularity in fashion and art and what cross-disciplinary collaboration offers in this respect, and (2) the viability of a raw creative economy in underdeveloped cultural hubs like Brisbane.
This is an ambitious project brought to you by RaraCurio and Vegas Spray, in cooperation with QUT Creative Industries and numerous other central figures to the local and national creative sphere.
What next for you and Vegas Spray?
B.E.A.F ( pronounced ‘beef’ ) Brisbane Emerging Art Festival – this is the pinnacle showcase for VEGAS SPRAY. This is a celebration of the best emerging art from Brisbane – in 2011 the festival will be held at Metro Arts and will feature a selection of 10 Brisbane based emerging artists.
Also a new revitalized website design and layout – with more features and applications for artists and art lovers.
