Rebekah Treacy

FIRSTLY I would just like to note that I had originally applied for a Creative Arts Grant earlier on in July and unfortunately it was unsuccessful - this explains the last minute fundraising support. The departure date for New York is only 3 weeks away so ANY help will be GREATLY appreciated :) 

AUSTRALIA - CONNECTIONS is an energetic and bold collection with a powerful story that is poetically narrated throughout Alpizar Fashion Spring/Summer 15/16 collection. Since the beginning of this year I have been collaborating with Perth based Fashion Designer Mauricio Alpizar http://www.mauricioalpizar.com.au/ as the artist, working on creating three important stories inspired by the rich cross cultural diversity of Broome. 

I created three Acrylic Paintings that were then transferred digitally on fabric for the Spring/Summer collection which is being showcased in New York from the 10th of September (unfortunately I am not able to upload photos of the garments before their Showcased date - 10th Sept 2015). The collection will be showcased at two main events during New York Fashion Week; Fashion Palette on the 10th of September, followed by a special event on the 16th September at Bastardo; an up town restaurant owned by celebrity chef, Kristen Sollenne. Showcasing at these events provides me with the platform to project my art work into a public international domain. It raises the Indigenous creative industry profile through story telling of the cultural landscape and will give my artwork the exposure in the International creative arts community.

The three final designs that have been used are shown below. The overall theme running throughout each of the design is Connection. I explore the connection that people have with the land and sea, with each other and overall the historical events that have shaped the unique town of Broome. Founded on the pearling industry, the heart and soul of Broome signifies a place that is rich in history, cultural diversity and character. The colours I chose to use have been inspired by the Broome environment as well as various symbolisations of Japanese and Aboriginal cultures. 
Design 1. Heart of Broome
Design 2. Mother of Pearl

Design 3. Desert Meets the Sea

When I heard about the project I was very excited to get involved as the artist, mainly because of the uniqueness of Mauricio's vision. When talking to him I learnt of his interest in the rich history of Broome, a small coastal town in Western Australia; the town in which I grew up in and call home. I was further inspired to get involved after hearing that he wanted to express the story of Broome (mainly the connections between Aboriginal and Japanese people) through his fashion garments in the style of contemporary dot painting. 

I completed a three year Fine Arts degree at the end of 2013 at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW. I then went on to study a Masters of Commerce Postgraduate degree, however since collaborating with Mauricio on this Project I have decided to defer the second semester so that I can focus on expanding my knowledge and experiences in the arts. Participating in this project has allowed me to gain insight into the many different directions art can be taken and has pushed the boundaries of conventional fashion. This collaboration is a fusing of both the genre of Fine Arts and Fashion Design - the merging of designer and artist, that explores the deep dimensionality of cultural connections.  

Showcasing at Fashion Palette during New York Fashion Week will give my artwork exposure in the international creative arts community. My work will be included in all media and promotional activities conducted by Mauricio Alpizar and The Dreamtime Project {http://thedreamtimeproject.com.au/ } under Mauricio’s PR & Marketing company, Fashion & Art Gallery. I will be networking with art curators and industry people from both fashion and the creative arts. I wish to explore other collaborations within the fashion industry using my art work in a unique way – to create wearable art.

The following is a rough figure of what the funds will cover:

- Return flights departing from Broome, Western Australia to New York City, US $2000
- Accommodation for 2 weeks in New York from the 9th September *we have been invited to stay at Night Hotels http://www.nighthotels.com/ - Theatre District Midtown along with the Fashion Palette Team - $2600
- Travel expenses whilst in New York for the 2 weeks - $300