It’s going to be dope. ‘Nuff said. Check out the flier and we’ll see you there.

“Through the art of portrait photography this exhibition aims to encourage one to look beyond trivial distractions, such as race, culture, skin colour and nationality and recognise that behind these inconsequential qualities – we all smile, cry and laugh in the same language.

Every photograph is shot through the eyes of people who hold a strong desire to tell a story, yet know it may never be told. Consequently with language barriers hindering communication, they open themselves up to the camera – all with the hope that the person watching at the other end – will simply share their laughter, sympathise with their pain or merely get a glimpse of their existence.”

The Kairos Exhibition aims to capture true, decisive moment of human emotion via the art of candid photography of people from around the world. Ultimately this exhibition looks to captivate and convey stories of humanity, social issues and culture present within out broader landscape, With the aim of celebrating compassion and the innate and distinctive diversity that is present with our global village, the Kairos Exhibition places a powerful yet personalised spin on cultural and social justice issues.

The elegance of champagne officialdom started the evening in the chandelier-lit foyer for an invite-only V.I.P. party . THE FORT Co-directors Kelly Timmons and Peter Gorrie spoke on The Fort’s history and amazed the crowd with how much support has already been received from businesses and artists alike. David Hinchliffe gave some rousing words of welcome and declared modestly the much-anticipated centre open to the public. With the champagne flowing, string quartet playing from the mezzanine, and the (gorgeous) girls serving edibles, the night was gathering momentum for the huge open-invitation party.

Of all the striking features of the event, it was the feeling of a new beginning, of opportunity and inspiration that interwove the conversations of the supporters. The crowd mingled amidst the bass swelling, swilling around the stairs like a ghost train urge in an atmosphere of tangible artistic inspiration:  A fellow was pretending to speak French whilst gesticulating wildly about the carpark graffiti-art, a young artist was furiously interpreting the live performances on his sketch pad, two girls were busting out synchronised hiphop dancing, hand-made crosswords were distributed, some people chose to joyously stand in the rain, and the delicious three-tiered vegan birthday cake was eaten from hypercoloured-top downwards with spoons!   Although none of these pursuits were planned, they certainly made for an interesting and colourful night.

[SinglePic not found] THE FORT wishes to extend a warm thankyou to everyone involved in making the party an incredible success!    We have had great feedback from the event and would love to host more like it. With your continued support we can make this possible!

Thanks to the lovely Tash, winner of the two free tickets to The Fort launch competition, for her contributions to this article. Thanks also to Manny for the great sketches!! (check out Manny’s Myspace profile here).

Special thanks to The Fort’s sponsors for making this all possible – Renegade Empire; Coopers; Nutrient Water; Steffan Town Planning; 4zzZ, and all the the artists.

Click here to view the photo gallery

[Gallery not found] ]]> http://www.thefort.org.au/2009/04/19/the-fort-launched-in-style/feed/ 2 http://www.thefort.org.au/2009/03/31/competition-win-2-free-tickets-to-the-fort-launch/ http://www.thefort.org.au/2009/03/31/competition-win-2-free-tickets-to-the-fort-launch/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:26:41 +0000 sk http://www.thefort.org.au/?p=263 As you all know, The Fort Arts Hub is hosting a fundraising event on Friday the 3rd of April with a night of performance, live art, organic bbq, giveaways and more.

For your chance to win two free tickets to the open-invite party, all you have to do is answer this question in the comments:

What do you think is the most important aspect of a community-based arts centre?

You can post as many comments as you like and we will choose the most creative answer and contact the winner via email. Be quick as entries close this Thursday 2nd of April!

To post a comment please follow these steps:

1. Register for a user account
2. Check your e-mail and confirm your address
3. Login with your user name and supplied password
4. Come back to this page and enter something creative in the comment field below
5. Press Send!

The Versus Gallery

The freshest underground gallery to hit Brisbane will launch as a collaboration of top class street art and canvas. Headed by two individual curators, with two totally different background but the same focus. The Versus Gallery will offer a unique creative space catering to both traditional and underground tastes with local and international flavours.

ARTISTS
Focused on emerging street artists, the first exhibition will feature the talent of: International Artist Trafik (UK) Andy Warde (US) Russel Fenn, Yuin Huz, Saikoe, Mechs, Bligs, Skull Durgan, Leesa Brooks, Jason Blyth, Gregory Hillard.

On Friday 3 April THE FORT will hold its very first fundraising extravaganza with a night of performance, live art, market stalls, organic bbq, giveaways and more.  The party kicks-off with a formal, invitation-only “welcome and congratulations” anticipating an RSVP of up to 200 industry colleagues, supporters, stakeholders and friends followed by a massive, open-invitation party and celebration of art – with a potential further 200 supporters.

In support of the centre and this huge event THE FORT has tapped gallons of it’s finest resources to present performances by Mr Laneous & The Family Yah, The Kelly Gang, Samedi Sound System, Yuin Huzami, Rainman, art works by some of Brisbane’s best visual artists, plus break-dancing and multimedia and lots more fresh local talent to be announced.

PURPOSE OF THE EVENT

The visionaries and artists involved in this huge venture have invested incredible amounts of energy, time and money into ensuring the feasibility and sustainability of this innovative new centre, which is aimed at supporting and protecting Brisbane’s vibrant arts and culture.  The purpose of this event is to raise funds to help cover some of the many fees and set-up costs incurred by the group and assist with preparing the largest remaining space for a community / arts space.

Download – The Fort Launch Sponsor Proposal PDF

SPONSOR BENEFITS

AMETHYST SPONSOR
$2000+ (or equivalent in goods and services)

• Sponsor logos will appear on signage, publicity material and programs for the event;
• Sponsor logos will appear on projections onto the building throughout the event (Brunswick Street – high exposure);
• Logos and links will appear on THE FORT website (thefort.com.au) for 6-weeks.
• 4 x complimentary VIP tickets to formal event (5.30 – 7pm) and party (7 – 11pm);
• Group membership (FRIEND of THE FORT) for 12-months (valued at $80;)
• Opportunity to display a banner;
• Up to 3 promotional items in the VIP gift bags;
• A great sense of well-being and community!

TURQUOISE SPONSOR
$1000-$2000 (or equivalent)

• Sponsor logos will appear on all publicity material and programs for the event.
• Sponsor logos will appear on projections onto the building throughout the event (Brunswick Street – high exposure);
• Logos and links will appear on THE FORT website (thefort.com.au) for 6-weeks.
• 2 x complimentary VIP tickets to formal event (5.30 – 7pm) and party (7 – 11pm).
• Up to 2 promotional items in the VIP gift bags.
• A great sense of well-being and community!

OR

• Make us an offer!

If you are interested or would like more info please download the proposal form below or phone Kel on 0405 105 299 or fill out the form in the contact section of the website.

We look forward to your support on this exciting new venture!

Download – The Fort Launch Sponsor Proposal PDF

In Australia’s fastest growing city, many of us are “feeling the squeeze” in some way.  For artists, inner-city suburbs which have been creative hot-spots are no longer affordable. Rent is sky-high, warehouses and share-houses must make way for construction and development, and our public transport… well let’s just say “it’s a hard job and they’re doing their best”.  Question is as Brisbane prepares itself for “Living in 2026”, how do we keep the city artist-friendly?

A collective of vibrant and enthusiastic young artists have come together to establish a very special arts project for Brisbane.  In a few weeks the beautiful Bell Brother’s Building in Fortitude Valley will again be open to the public – and proud home to an innovative new cultural centre – THE FORT arts hub.  Tenants and friends of THE FORT are busily preparing a record store, art galleries (first exhibition opens 21 March), artist studios, recording and rehearsal studios, clothing design, film, web and photography studios, permeculture gardens and lots more!

THE FORT is managed by artists, for artists, and aims to grow many artistic endeavours by drawing on collective resources, skills and networks.  Located at 57 Brunswick Street, THE FORT is only a few footsteps away from big cultural institutions like the Valley’s Entertainment Precinct and further down Brunswick Street to the Judith Wright Centre, 381 Brunswick, and the Powerhouse.   Co-founder and President of THE FORT arts hub Inc., Pete Gorrie says “There have been lots of challenges involved in getting this awesome project off the ground, but thanks to a lot of hard work, and the support of friends and members of the arts community who also realise the importance of this project, we are nearly ready to open.  We can’t wait to share our hub with Brisbane and, eventually, the rest of the world.”

On Friday 3 April THE FORT will hold its very first fundraising extravaganza (launching the various spaces), with a night of performance, live art, market stalls, organic bbq, giveaways and more.  THE FORT has tapped gallons of its finest resources to present Grass Roots Street Orchestra, Mr Laneous & The Family Yah, The Kelly Gang, Samedi Sound System, Rainman Live, Yuin Huzami, art works by some of Brisbane’s best visual artists, break dancers, multimedia displays and more fresh local talent to be announced.

Entry to this massive event is only $15 or $10 conc. (and 4ZZZ subs) or become an official “FRIEND of THE FORT” for just $25 ($20 conc.) to receive free entry and ongoing discounts, benefits and general kudos.

Media enquiries please contact Kelly Timmons Ph: 0405 105 299