SHED Talk 1: Navigating Public Art Commissions with Grant Finck, Jenna Oldaker and Cinnamon Stephens

Are you interested in creating art for public space but not quite sure how to get started?

Join Surf Coast Sculptors Grant Finck and Cinnamon Stephens alongside Wadawurrung Mural Artist Jenna Oldaker to learn about how they got into Public Art – and the different paths you can take to achieve your goals.

Whether you're an emerging public artist or a community group interested in realising fabulous arts projects in your town, this discussion will delve into how to navigate the sometimes complex world of art in public space, including the Expression of Interest process, permits and the sometimes bamboozling language of local government procurement processes. 

Facilitated by Kim Biggs, Coordinator, Surf Coast Shire Arts and Creative Economy Team, the event will also give artists and community groups the opportunity to chat with Surf Coast Shire Council’s Community Project Development Officer, Nicky Angus, and Arts Development Officer, Harriet Gaffney, about their ideas for public space.

*Please note: this event is in a large-scale, private sculpture studio: please ensure that you wear closed footwear and, as always, SHED-appropriate clothing.

Featured Artists:

Grant Finck, Sculptor: My public sculpture is aimed at describing a sense of identity and place. Through a process of research, consultation and design, I am able to identify key issues relevant to the communities I work for. I use this information as inspiration to design sculpture that embraces the site and brief. Because of the direct reference to specific environments my sculptures integrate into the communities they serve

@grantfinckartist

grantfincksculpture.com

Cinnamon Stephens, Sculptor and Metalworker:

Creating custom metalwork inspired by nature for homes, gardens and to wear, Cinnamon is a widely respected public artist whose work is situated in numerous public and private collections across the East Coast of Australia.

Cinnamon also offers a side hustle of art services for artists and art buyers in the region.

www.cinnamonsart.au

@cinnamons_art

Jenna Oldaker, Visual Artist: A Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Jenna expresses her deep connection and love for her Aboriginal culture, country, and heritage in every piece she creates. Each work has its own individual story and meaning and educates others about Wadawurrung culture and country. Using mostly bright, contemporary colours to create unique and detailed works, Jenna is largely inspired by the traditional marks and symbols of the Dreamtime and Wadawurrung Country itself.

@murrup_art