Curated by Bridget Bathgate under the mentorship of Sarah Rowbottam, Drug Aware presents: Illuminations is proudly supported by Healthway, promoting the Drug Aware message and Propel Youth Arts WA. Illuminations is an eco-art exhibition that will explore the use of alternative sources of light through a curated series of installations. Each work will rely on the participation of The Blue Room Theatre patrons throughout this year's Summer Nights program, becoming powered and illuminated through their physical actions. This may be through the peddling of a handmade bicycle generator, the turning of a hand crank, or the cooperation of friendly bioluminescent bacteria (not naturally found in the cultural centre, of course).
Illuminations is an expression of collaboration between artwork and the individual. As a commentary on art's vulnerability in a state of ecological and economic collapse; without participation these works cannot activate, cannot illuminate and will go unseen. Through the interplay of concept and experience, and the use of sustainable practices, Illuminations will question our consumption of materials and asks: why does an object need to exist? If the world is ending, what is the role of art? How can we creatively respond to ecological collapse?
Illuminations is part of Grr Nights, an intimate performance festival run in collaboration with The Blue Room Theatre. For two weeks in February, from the 9th to the 20th Grr will host thirteen unique shows: from eco-cabaret to lovelorn clowns, from indie-pop choirs to spoken word, from dance to community debate and dinners. It incorporates the work of living with the act of creating art.
Find Illuminations on Facebook here.
Meet the Artists






How The Funds Will Be Used
MATERIALS - $1200
More than half of the funds raised will cover the material costs for each artist in developing their works. Each artist will receive $200 for their efforts.
THE BICYCLE - $500
Mitchell Buzza, Jerred Masters and Aaron Greaves are our lovely engineer team, who are hard at work building an electricity-generating bicycle. We think they're doing a pretty good job so far, having already designed a prototype that generates 160 watts. The other day they accidentally blew up a light bulb! We intend to create a bike that powers up to or exceeding 400 watts. Isn't it cute?!

PRODUCTION - $200
As well as the bicycle generator, our engineers and artists are working together to develop a series of motion-powered generators. We're excited to see what they come up with!
INSTALLATION - $200
With all those electricity generators comes a lot of fuses, cables, and other safety materials to ensure we don't blow up The Blue Room.
SIGNAGE - $100
We're working on some cute didactic panels to accompany each artwork - we want to make sure you know how great our artists are, and more importantly, how to illuminate their works!
ARTIST PAYMENTS
We want to make sure our artists and engineers know they're appreciated for their work. While the majority of funds raised are going towards developing each work, any remaining profit will be given directly to our creative team as a way to say thanks for their hard work.
The Challenges
Throughout the production and installation of each work, our artists and engineer team will be working together to troubleshoot issues that may arise. Already we have been working through challenges to create a bike that will power light bulbs without blowing them up, whilst still generating enough energy to power the works.
Shout out
Just to say thanks - an email or Facebook post from us to you.
A Personal Thank You
Key organisers Bridget Bathgate and Indi Ranson will hand make you a thank you card. Or a love letter. We'll see.
Artist Talk
You're invited to an exclusive symposium at The Blue Room Theatre where our six artists will discuss their installations, general practice, and engage in a Q&A session. We'll also list your name as a supporter in the Illuminations program.
Paper Mountain Membership
3 month membership to Paper Mountain's Common Room space, usually valued at $75 month-to-month, or $240 per 6 months. Includes access 9.30 to 5 to wifi, meeting spaces, discounts to available workshops and creative individuals to work alongside!
Artist Book: Shareparty
Shareparty is an artist book of stories and secrets from strangers, transcribed by Kieron Broadhurst into text and drawings during his 2013 residency at Fremantle Art Centre. More info: http://www.fac.org.au/events/314/artist-in-residence-kieron-broadhurst-shareparty?pid=90
Artist Book: Collapse
Produced as a book and an accompanying camp chair, Emma Buswell's Collapse is a project centred around the attempt to realise a tent as an alternative art space. For more info: http://emmabuswell.net/index.php/2012/collapse/
Small Tattoo
One small tattoo voucher for one lucky soul, done by local artist Rachel Ciesla. Images of her work below:
Private Party in the Yurt
Eat, drink and be merry with your favourite buddy Grr. Spend an exclusive night with the organisers, artists and up to 8 mates in SJ Finch's Yurt.