joel gailer

Dear friends 

I am inviting you to be part of a cross cultural exchange between the Solomon Islands and Australia. My hope is, through your generosity we can raise enough funds for three very talented Solomon Island artists to travel to Melbourne Australia for a residency at Cozens Street studio. The costs of air travel for Solomon Islanders is exorbitant and flights from Solomon Islands to Melbourne can exceed the yearly income of some people. 

My connection to these artists started five years ago:

In 2014 I undertook a self funded residency in the Solomon Islands, as part of my project I raised money to donate a printing press to the organisation hosting my stay, Solomon Islands Arts Alliance. With the help of many sponsors we delivered a printing press and many materials to the studio at the National Gallery in the Solomon Islands. The residency was a transformative experience, in which I collaborated with three very talented Solomon Island artists, Jimmy Sinumoana, Fred Oge and John Seda. As well as forging strong friendships we produced sculptures, paintings and prints in an environment of shared knowledges and reciprocal exchange. Some of the work we produced became an important part of my PhD. 

I have maintained contact with these artists and our friendships have grown and continue to do so. It had always been my hope that my friends, Jimmy, Seda and Oge would find funding to come to Australia, however, it has not eventuated, so I have decided to reach out to my Australian and international friends and family to help make this project possible. Australia has a history in the South Pacific, there are many positive stories of collaboration, and sadly, stories of failure. This project is a positive and collaborative cultural exchange intended to deepen the art experiences of both the artists and the Australian community. 

Let's bring Sinumoana, Seda and Oge to Australia for a visual art, studio residency! 

Through my existing network I am able to fund their accommodation, in a sweet little BnB, I will host the residency at Cozenst Street art studio and support them while they are here, however, I need help to raise money for their flights. This is where you can help!

Come on! Be part of this cross-cultural initiative and lend a hand to bring our Pacific Island friends to Melbourne!

Risks & Challenges

There are many costs associated with this project which include flights, accommodation, studio fees, materials and general expenses. I am self funding the majority of the project through my own sources but I am asking for your help to cover the costs of flights.

The artists of Cozens Street studio have generously donated many rewards for this project and we are actively seeking partners. Groups and individuals that have already 'partnered up' to make this project possible are ArtBox, Northside Merch, Performprint, Cozens Street studio, musician Michael Yule and artist Wendy busch so please become involved!

Budget

100% of the funds raised will go towards the travel costs of the artists and any extra will be used to buy art materials for their residencies.

The budget per artist is approximately $3600 and we want to bring three artists over in 2019 = $11800. We are self-funding the majority of the project which is outlined below, but we need help with flights. 

Already supported costs per artist:

Accommodation for two weeks: $1000

Studio at Cozens Street: $300

General living expenses: $500

Art materials: $300

Costs that need your support:

FLIGHTS: $1200 per artist = $3600

Other Ways You Can Help!

Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help, friends can get the word out and make some noise about our campaign by sharing on social media or word of mouth.

Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated - and we would be delighted if you came to Cozens Street studio during their residencies to share stories and ideas :)