Through Artists' Eyes - Stage 1

Artists involved in the Art in Tropical Australia website are planning to bring an experienced TV crew to Port Douglas to film three artists in their studios for the programme 'Put Some Colour in Your Life', which currently airs regularly across Australia and will soon spread to UK and Ireland as well as to USA and China. Check it out at www.colourinyourlife.com.au

Stage 2 is planned for mid 2013 but is dependent upon the success of Stage 1.

Beautiful Port Douglas, Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef

This project is an excellent partnership 'fit' for the tourism industry in North Queensland, as it is intended to showcase artists in their scenically beautiful hideaways, as well as to include filmed segments about the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, both iconic Australian attractions.

As you would expect, this is quite an expensive exercise so we have chosen three artists to represent us this year, planning to include other Port Douglas and Cairns artists in this tropical series in future years . Every artist to be featured will make a significant financial contribution to the cost of the project and each will benefit directly.

(The artists are Anna Curtis, Tania Heben and Mary Ann Runciman. Please follow links from this page - http://www.art-in-tropical-australia.com/tropic-of-capricorn.html to learn more about them - and all of us!)

But quite a few people will benefit indirectly. Like ripples in a pond, the message about the natural beauty of the region, the high calibre of its artists, the 'laid-back' lifestyle of Port Douglas and the friendliness of its people, will steadily spread to the world.

 Visitors - want to learn more?

Potential visitors may well decide to see the unspoilt attractions for themselves so Tourism businesses (which we know is everyone who lives here) will benefit, as well as all professional artists of the region and Australia in general. The series is an educational one with artists demonstrating their working methods. At a time when 'how to paint, draw, sculpt' and so on are frequently used internet search terms, this TV programme fits like a glove!

There is such a short time in which to raise the balance of the funds so we hope that you will all lend a hand by contributing whatever you can, whether that is cash (the most needed!) or by spreading the word amongst your friends, family and business contacts.

There are some great rewards on offer too, as our appreciation of your help.

Even if you just 'share' our Facebook updates that is a help. Of course, if you are an art lover, a collector, an artist yourself (and who isn't deep down?) or a business person, please pledge what you can manage to get this project happening?

Re-inventing Port Douglas!

If you are a resident of North Queensland you will know how desperate times have been for most during the last year or so. Port Douglas business people have banded together in an attempt to re-vitalise the town. This is our contribution to that effort - we really do need you too and hope that you will want to join in!

The bare minimum to get this project happening is $7,500 but we will be able to do it so much better with $12,000. We are aware of how little time there is until our deadline (October 13) so would be so grateful if you could start the ball rolling by contributing what you can and by spreading the word to all of your contacts. Thank you so much from Port Douglas region and its artists!

Jill Booth -  artist, teacher, ex gallery owner, coordinator of Go Troppo Arts Festival, currently owner-builder of http://www.art-in-tropical-australia.com

Port Douglas, North Queensland