We are calling for contributions to Australian-made, the very first Paintings Special Interest Group Virtual Forum.

We need your support to make this virtual forum dynamic, engaging and inspiring. This event is also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect after such an unpredictable and challenging time due to the pandemic.

To give you extra time to submit your proposal form, we are extending the deadline to Wednesday 19 May.

Australian-made will be held from November 15 to December 3 this year. It explores the act of making – the coalescence of materials, methods, inspiration, intent, training and experience – within a distinctly Australian context. It celebrates the technical diversity and originality of Australian painting, and considers the ways in which geography, technology, gender and Indigenous culture shape approaches to materials and techniques.

The theme encompasses technical research, preventive care, archiving practices, dialogue with artists, treatment strategies, and other novel ways to illuminate and honour the making process. What unique conservation issues do Australian paintings pose? How can we integrate new technologies and plan for future challenges?

There are three options for participation (proposals in more than one category welcome):

–       20 minute Powerpoint presentation

–       Open-format multimedia submission (for example, mini-documentary, interview or studio tour)

–       Virtual poster

Most contributions will be pre-recorded for speaker convenience and event continuity. We are happy to provide detailed instructions and one-on-one technical advice to ensure that everyone with an interest can take part.

Please complete the attached proposal form and send it to Raye Collins  by Wednesday 19 May 2021. Successful contributors will have a minimum of 3 months to develop and submit their content.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Raye Collins and Raymonda Rajkowski (Paintings SIG convenors).