Pop Up - Avi Amesbury Artist in Residence - 13 - 20 June 2023
Avi Amesbury was our Artist in Residence during May and June, during her time with us she held a working with porcelain Masterclass and a sold out Pop Up exhibition.
In my ceramic practice I forage for, and collect materials – such as clay, volcanic rock ash, seaweeds, sea sponges, and wood ash – and use these materials as an expressive language to generate stories and narratives in the work. This experimentation with found materials, and the translucency of porcelain, allows me to explore ideas of connection to place. I often combine a variety of ceramic techniques- slab-building, stamping, coiling, slip-casting, and the use the earth’s natural materials to give the work a unique style.
During my time in Mparntwe I’ll continue to explore the notion of self reconciliation investigating connection to ‘place’ through the Australian landscape. An aim of the project is to bring together the two lines of inquiry and perspectives – family history and connection to ‘place’ – to gain greater knowledge and a deeper understanding of cultural histories and differences.
About the Gallery
Located in the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the June Marriott Gallery is Central Craft’s professionally equipped exhibition space. The gallery supports both traditional and contemporary craft practices and receives over 15,000 visitors annually. Though modest in size, it has a proud history of showcasing high-quality craft and design from Central Australia.
The gallery is named in honour of June Marriott, a foundational figure in the Alice Springs craft scene. A skilled embroiderer and teacher, June made profound contributions to craft education and the local arts community. She played a pivotal role in founding Territory Craft in 1974, establishing early craft exhibitions, and building a culture of making and teaching that continues to shape Central Craft today.
How to Hire
Submit your proposal via our online form below for approval.
Gallery Specifications
- Professionally lit exhibition space
- Hanging system with adjustable tracks
- Plinths and tools provided on request
- Access to kitchenette and bathroom
About Hiring
What's Included in Your Hire
- 2-week minimum gallery hire
- Use of hanging system, plinths, lighting, and kitchenette
- Promotion via Central Craft’s website, socials, and newsletter
- Sales processed by Central Craft volunteers (Mon–Sat, 10am–2pm)
- 35% commission applies to all sales
Hire Fees
Members:
- $180/week hire
- $200/week refundable bond
- 35% sales commission
Non-Members:
- $245/week hire
- $200/week refundable bond
- 35% sales commission
Timeline Overview
- 2–4 months prior: Confirm booking, sign agreement, pay fees, submit promo materials
- 3 weeks prior: Submit artwork sales form (if applicable)
- Week of install: Complete induction; install begins 2 days before opening
- Saturday Opening (10am): Hirer responsible for set up and clean-up
- Exhibition Duration: Gallery open Mon–Sat, 10am–2pm
- Final Saturday (2–6pm): Pack-down
- 1 month after: Sales payout
Basic Terms & Conditions
- Hirers must be 18+ and complete an induction before access
- Hirers must treat the gallery respectfully; damage fees deducted from bond
- Sitting the gallery may be required if volunteers are unavailable
- Hirers must collect or post artworks after the exhibition
- Central Craft is not responsible for artwork loss/damage; personal insurance is recommended
- Cancellations with less than 2 months’ notice will forfeit the hire fee
- Promotion is the responsibility of the Hirer (Central Craft shares content if supplied on time)
- Keys, alarm codes, and access must be handled responsibly
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What You Can Hire It For
- Solo or group exhibitions
- Craft-based community displays
- Events that celebrate contemporary or traditional craft
- Collaborative projects, curated exhibitions, school showcases
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Who Can Apply
We welcome proposals from:
- Individual artists
- Groups or collectives
- Independent curators
- Community organisations and schools
Central Craft Members are prioritised in bookings.
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What We’re Looking For
We welcome proposals that:
- Are at least 70% handmade (no mass-produced/copyright-infringing work)
- Demonstrate strong artistic merit, originality, and craftsmanship
- Engage thoughtfully with material, cultural, or local context
- Offer additional community engagement (e.g. workshops, floor talks)
- Promote diversity, innovation, and excellence in craft
Questions?
Contact: directors@centralcraft.org.au
Call: (08) 8952 4417
Visit: 61 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs NT (next to Yaye’s Café)