Right under your nose.

In my younger years I desperately wanted to get away from where I lived. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I live, but I wanted ADVENTURE. It was waiting for me... somewhere out there on the horizon. Take me to the most far away places, the further away the better!

Only in the last few years have I truly begun to appreciate what is in my backyard. The world can in fact be found in our own patch. We just tend to be a little blind or dismissive of it. Well, I was. 

I would wager that there are plentiful opportunities for you, as an artist and craftsperson, right under your nose, in your local community.

I encourage you, this weekend (no time like the present) to investigate what surrounds you.

You may find.

• A network bringing local artists together.
• A local art prize.
• Free professional development opportunities for local artists.
• Open studio events and trails.
• Local shops and galleries seeking new works.
• Opportunities at your library.
• Mural and public art commissions.
• Grants for local artists.
• Local artists to collaborate with.
• The list goes on.

One of the benefits of working in the local area is you often have direct contact with the people in charge. You can meet curators, gallerists, arts officers and shop owners face to face and they can get to know you and your work quickly.

Many local opportunities are available only to local artists. Less competition.

A hidden benefit, and one of the finest in my humble opinion, is the speed at which you can get to where you need to be. Not having to travel to the other side of Melbourne, through God forsaken traffic, pushy drivers and never ending roadworks is a gift. 

So, go local AND go international. Make the most of both worlds, and all the worlds in between. 

Amy x