July 20th, 2024Contemporary arts group looks for funding

Radical Fields, an emerging contemporary arts group based in the Central Highlands has launched its winter fundraiser and is accepting tax deductible donations until July 24. 

Headed by director Ryan F Kennedy along with artists Anthony Sawrey and Gav Barbey, arts manager Madeleine McClelland and marketing/business strategist Dana Ronan, the group’s arts and cultural program looks to connect people and place through the practice of ‘serious play’ in artistic processes.

“We work collaboratively with artists and the community,” says Ryan, “to create works of art that explore rural living in fields of agriculture, science, sport, mind/ body, home, and storytelling.”

The group, recently incorporated as a non-profit community association, emerged in 2023 to energise the local arts ecology and engage with artists and audiences in new and unexpected ways.

It set about initiating a six-month arts program centred around monthly meet- ups at the Glenlyon market and held their inaugural ‘Harvest’ at Lyonbank Farm last March.

Since that time the group has been busy planning their 2024/25 Seasonal Program culminating in its next Harvest event. In the meantime Radical Fields has announced its partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund to conduct its winter fundraiser.

ACF is a Creative Australia funding body that passes 100 per cent of donations to artists and arts organisation projects.

“With more than 50 per cent of our budget going directly to our artists, facilitators, and writers, Radical Fields is proudly committed to regional arts and culture,” says Ryan.

“We are grateful for all contributions, big or small and the help they offer to the sustainability and quality of our regional arts. As a team we look forward to delivering a stellar season and encourage any interested people and businesses to get in touch to find out how we can create together.”

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Link: www.artists.australianculturalfund. org.au/s/project/a2EMn000009fPN3MAM/radical-fields-seasonal-program