Image if you were a design student graduate trying to break into the competitive design industry. What would you do to promote yourself and how would you go about securing a job?
Fortunately this is something that UK based website Arts Thread has thought about, offering “a trend driven online educational tool with a strong graphic identity designed to connect Industry, universities/schools and students worldwide, exclusively within the field of design.”
Some of the services that Arts Thread offers include university course information for prospective students, an online portfolio for existing students, inspiration through listings of global art and design exhibitions, student/graduate shows and design trade fairs as well as a magazine featuring student’s work and trend info.
Arts Thread also assists industry employers seeking talented graduates: “For the first time ever the Global Creative Industry can locate the key university/college courses and view portfolios of the top talent among graduates worldwide with just a few clicks of the mouse.”
I have been fortunate to be involved with Arts Thread, offering a Melbourne perspective through the shows and exhibitions I have attended and written articles on. My latest article is on the ‘til you drop: shopping – a Melbourne history exhibition, at the State Library of Victoria until 31st October.
http://blog.artsthread.com/?p=2572
If you haven’t been to this exhibition yet, then where have you been??? Just kidding, but it is highly recommended. Everyone will learn something from this well researched and executed exhibition, especially a better understanding and appreciation of Melbourne’s role in the history of shopping.
Visit http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/programs/exhibitions/kmg/2009/til-you-drop/
for more details.
Please contact me if you are hosting or know of any other art and design exhibitions coming up in Melbourne.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Moomba Magic in March
More than half a century after the festival first commenced, Moomba still managed to draw an enthusiastic crowd for its annual parade last Monday.
A crowd of 90,000 strong lined Swanston Street to greet the passing parade which consisted of a mixture of groups such as musicians, acrobats and members of the SES as well as many more.
View from Flinders Street Station along Swanston Street
Channel 7’s bright and bubbly Nuala Hafner and gentle giant Coxy from Coxy’s Big Break provided comprehensive coverage of the event. The pair were ‘on the ground’ throughout the parade, speaking with many of the parade participants and spectators.
Channel 7 hosts, Nuala Hafner and Coxy
The grand finale of the parade included an appearance of Moomba King and Queen, Molly Meldrum and Kate Ceberano. Soon after the conclusion of the event dark storm clouds collected over the CBD, rain imminent. However, no amount of rain could dampen the spirit of the parade participants or spectators and the experience this uniquely Melbourne event offers.
Moomba King, Molly Meldrum and Moomba Queen, Kate Ceberano
A crowd of 90,000 strong lined Swanston Street to greet the passing parade which consisted of a mixture of groups such as musicians, acrobats and members of the SES as well as many more.
View from Flinders Street Station along Swanston Street
Channel 7’s bright and bubbly Nuala Hafner and gentle giant Coxy from Coxy’s Big Break provided comprehensive coverage of the event. The pair were ‘on the ground’ throughout the parade, speaking with many of the parade participants and spectators.
Channel 7 hosts, Nuala Hafner and Coxy
The grand finale of the parade included an appearance of Moomba King and Queen, Molly Meldrum and Kate Ceberano. Soon after the conclusion of the event dark storm clouds collected over the CBD, rain imminent. However, no amount of rain could dampen the spirit of the parade participants or spectators and the experience this uniquely Melbourne event offers.
Moomba King, Molly Meldrum and Moomba Queen, Kate Ceberano
Friday, March 12, 2010
Learn your ABCs
I have always had a fascination with words (which is probably why I love writing and reading) but I have to admit I have never really given letters much consideration, which is odd considering that letters are the foundation of words.
Letterheads 2010 celebrates the 26 letters of our alphabet by commissioning 26 artists to each “re-envision” a single letter of the alphabet to create a “collection that explores the influence of the ubiquitous letterform in all aspects of contemporary art.”
The exhibition features a culmination of pieces from established and emerging artists from Australia (such as Graeme Base) and overseas in a mixture of mediums. Paint, collage, graphic design, illustration and screen printing are just some of the techniques employed by the artists throughout the exhibition. Every piece of work is mesmerizing, unique and completely inspiring.
The inspiration behind each piece, as well as interviews with all of the artists has been captured in the Ltrhds book. Only 400 copies of the book have been produced and it can be purchased at the exhibition or ordered from http://www.niceproduce.com for $49.
The exhibition runs until 19th March at 1000 £ Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne. Sydney won’t miss out either - the exhibition will be held from 30th April until 28th May at Red Bull Gallery, Huntly St and Burke Rd Alexandria.
For more info on the artists and exhibition, visit http://www.ltrhds.com/
Letterheads 2010 celebrates the 26 letters of our alphabet by commissioning 26 artists to each “re-envision” a single letter of the alphabet to create a “collection that explores the influence of the ubiquitous letterform in all aspects of contemporary art.”
The exhibition features a culmination of pieces from established and emerging artists from Australia (such as Graeme Base) and overseas in a mixture of mediums. Paint, collage, graphic design, illustration and screen printing are just some of the techniques employed by the artists throughout the exhibition. Every piece of work is mesmerizing, unique and completely inspiring.
The inspiration behind each piece, as well as interviews with all of the artists has been captured in the Ltrhds book. Only 400 copies of the book have been produced and it can be purchased at the exhibition or ordered from http://www.niceproduce.com for $49.
The exhibition runs until 19th March at 1000 £ Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne. Sydney won’t miss out either - the exhibition will be held from 30th April until 28th May at Red Bull Gallery, Huntly St and Burke Rd Alexandria.
For more info on the artists and exhibition, visit http://www.ltrhds.com/
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Washed away on Saturday
The violent weather in Melbourne yesterday had to be seen to be believed. A sunny start to the day rapidly changed when the sky grew increasingly dark after lunchtime, a super cell storm imminent. By 3pm, Melbourne was a scene of destruction.
I was in Coventry Street, South Melbourne in the midst of the storm, and below are some of the photos that I captured throughout. Enormous hail stones, coupled with the ferocity and intensity with which they fell resulted in blocked gutters and drains. The torrent of water not able to escape overflowed into streets and the water level rapidly rose. The hail also stripped trees of their green summer leaves which were quickly washed into drains resulting in further blockages.
The torrent of water along Coventry Street
The storm eventually passed through, leaving a trail of destruction and flooding in its wake. The journey home through Southbank later that afternoon was challenging to say the least. Low lying parts of City Road were cut off and vehicles stranded. The Whiteman and Clarendon Street junction was bought to a stand still as cars had to cautiously negotiate their way through the water. Pedestrians needed to wade through knee-deep ice-cold water to pass through the intersection.
Looking along Whiteman Street toward Claredon Street
Although water still remained in low lying areas yesterday evening, most of it had subsided by this morning, leaving a big clean-up job ahead for many homes and businesses. Rain is always welcome, but perhaps not so much in one hit next time!
I was in Coventry Street, South Melbourne in the midst of the storm, and below are some of the photos that I captured throughout. Enormous hail stones, coupled with the ferocity and intensity with which they fell resulted in blocked gutters and drains. The torrent of water not able to escape overflowed into streets and the water level rapidly rose. The hail also stripped trees of their green summer leaves which were quickly washed into drains resulting in further blockages.
The torrent of water along Coventry Street
The storm eventually passed through, leaving a trail of destruction and flooding in its wake. The journey home through Southbank later that afternoon was challenging to say the least. Low lying parts of City Road were cut off and vehicles stranded. The Whiteman and Clarendon Street junction was bought to a stand still as cars had to cautiously negotiate their way through the water. Pedestrians needed to wade through knee-deep ice-cold water to pass through the intersection.
Looking along Whiteman Street toward Claredon Street
Although water still remained in low lying areas yesterday evening, most of it had subsided by this morning, leaving a big clean-up job ahead for many homes and businesses. Rain is always welcome, but perhaps not so much in one hit next time!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Talking shop
Where can you hear the Melbourne retail scene being discussed by a savvy journalist, a clever historian/author and two of Australia’s great retail gurus? The answer is at the State Library of Victoria’s ‘Melbourne: The Making of a Shopping Mecca’ discussion. Chaired by Jill Singer (journalist and Herald Sun columnist) the panel included Australian retail giants, Naomi Milgrom (Sussan Group CEO) and Stephen Bennett (Country Road founder) as well as author of ‘The Rise and Fall of Marvellous Melbourne’, Graeme Davison. The discussion was held in conjunction with the ‘til you drop’ exhibition at the State Library of Victoria which in on until 31st October 2010.
Cr Susan Riley, deputy lord mayor of Melbourne introduced the discussion, then Graeme Davison provided a brief historical summary of Melbourne retail and shopping. “The quality of our shopping life has a lot to do with our urban life” said Graeme. Melbourne’s retail history has resulted in a unique combination of shopping environments, including laneways, streets or ‘strips’ and suburban shopping centres. “Melbourne has seasonality and events that make us want to dress up” said Naomi. Seasons and varied shopping environments provide locals and tourists with great reasons to get out and spend money in Melbourne.
Whilst Melbourne has a comprehensive mix of different shopping environments, it is important that this balance is not disrupted. An example of this would be trying to replicate the laneways. Retailer’s initial attraction to the laneways, explains Stephen was cheaper rent, allowing smaller ‘start up companies’ to get a foothold in Melbourne retail. Replicating the laneways would result in increased rent, squeezing out the new/little guys. Naomi and Stephen also share a dislike of discount stores, especially in the middle of Melbourne. Naomi does not have any discount stores as she believes they do not provide a positive retail experience. “I don’t want to see a customer walk into a (Sussan) discount store and see a rack of pink pants at $9.95 – that’s just not the retail experience I want them to have” said Naomi.
“Men and women have different leisure pastimes these days and don’t shop together” said Naomi. Graeme believes it is a ‘boring experience’ walking into a store on the other side of the world and seeing the same brands, presentation, etc. Graeme thinks that shopping malls should have libraries, or other types of entertainment to occupy those that do not necessarily want to shop, but are reluctantly dragged along on shopping excursions.
The growth in popularity of gourmet food, local produce and organic fair has resulted in food markets becoming an integral party of cities, ie. London’s Borough Market. The panel all agreed that there is further opportunity for retail concepts in other parts of the community, such as wine regions. In an environment such as the Yarra Valley, for example, local crafts and fashion have an opportunity to emerge. This is almost a market or co-op environment where all businesses play off each other.
The discussion was then handed over to the audience for questions and comments. The audience were not shy, asking numerous questions and sharing their own personal retail stories with the panel. An anecdote of poor retail service from one audience member touched on the importance of quality staff in retail. This is an area that Naomi is passionate about and she is currently working closely with UTS and RMIT on programmes for retail training/recognition. Retailing has not been taken seriously or respected in the past as it does not require a university qualification. The main qualities that retail employees require at the moment said Naomi is a “passion and love of people”.
The effect the Internet has had on retail was also discussed. The panel believed that the Internet was a positive movement for retail. Naomi said that the internet equated to a medium size store for her and allowed her brands to constantly “talk” to their customers. She said that her customers responded well to “email blasts”.
The discussion moved onto the challenge of stock management for Australian retailers. The unique retail position of Australia means that businesses still need to meet the minimum order quantities when manufacturing in China, despite our smaller population, compared to European countries. “Australia has too many shops and too much choice” says Naomi. This means that businesses need to be clear about their markdown strategies, ensuring that each product has a “life” limit. This will ensure that stores are kept looking fresh and racks of sale items are reduced.
It is a unique and inspiring opportunity to be able to listen to these retail experts for over an hour. This event bodes well for the next discussion at the State Library of Victoria, ‘Fashioning Melbourne’ to be hosted by Janice Breen-Burns, fashion editor at the Age on Thursday 4th March.
Cr Susan Riley, deputy lord mayor of Melbourne introduced the discussion, then Graeme Davison provided a brief historical summary of Melbourne retail and shopping. “The quality of our shopping life has a lot to do with our urban life” said Graeme. Melbourne’s retail history has resulted in a unique combination of shopping environments, including laneways, streets or ‘strips’ and suburban shopping centres. “Melbourne has seasonality and events that make us want to dress up” said Naomi. Seasons and varied shopping environments provide locals and tourists with great reasons to get out and spend money in Melbourne.
Whilst Melbourne has a comprehensive mix of different shopping environments, it is important that this balance is not disrupted. An example of this would be trying to replicate the laneways. Retailer’s initial attraction to the laneways, explains Stephen was cheaper rent, allowing smaller ‘start up companies’ to get a foothold in Melbourne retail. Replicating the laneways would result in increased rent, squeezing out the new/little guys. Naomi and Stephen also share a dislike of discount stores, especially in the middle of Melbourne. Naomi does not have any discount stores as she believes they do not provide a positive retail experience. “I don’t want to see a customer walk into a (Sussan) discount store and see a rack of pink pants at $9.95 – that’s just not the retail experience I want them to have” said Naomi.
“Men and women have different leisure pastimes these days and don’t shop together” said Naomi. Graeme believes it is a ‘boring experience’ walking into a store on the other side of the world and seeing the same brands, presentation, etc. Graeme thinks that shopping malls should have libraries, or other types of entertainment to occupy those that do not necessarily want to shop, but are reluctantly dragged along on shopping excursions.
The growth in popularity of gourmet food, local produce and organic fair has resulted in food markets becoming an integral party of cities, ie. London’s Borough Market. The panel all agreed that there is further opportunity for retail concepts in other parts of the community, such as wine regions. In an environment such as the Yarra Valley, for example, local crafts and fashion have an opportunity to emerge. This is almost a market or co-op environment where all businesses play off each other.
The discussion was then handed over to the audience for questions and comments. The audience were not shy, asking numerous questions and sharing their own personal retail stories with the panel. An anecdote of poor retail service from one audience member touched on the importance of quality staff in retail. This is an area that Naomi is passionate about and she is currently working closely with UTS and RMIT on programmes for retail training/recognition. Retailing has not been taken seriously or respected in the past as it does not require a university qualification. The main qualities that retail employees require at the moment said Naomi is a “passion and love of people”.
The effect the Internet has had on retail was also discussed. The panel believed that the Internet was a positive movement for retail. Naomi said that the internet equated to a medium size store for her and allowed her brands to constantly “talk” to their customers. She said that her customers responded well to “email blasts”.
The discussion moved onto the challenge of stock management for Australian retailers. The unique retail position of Australia means that businesses still need to meet the minimum order quantities when manufacturing in China, despite our smaller population, compared to European countries. “Australia has too many shops and too much choice” says Naomi. This means that businesses need to be clear about their markdown strategies, ensuring that each product has a “life” limit. This will ensure that stores are kept looking fresh and racks of sale items are reduced.
It is a unique and inspiring opportunity to be able to listen to these retail experts for over an hour. This event bodes well for the next discussion at the State Library of Victoria, ‘Fashioning Melbourne’ to be hosted by Janice Breen-Burns, fashion editor at the Age on Thursday 4th March.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A Little Pink Book
There is a new blog on the block...to fulfil my other love of fashion, design and art A Little Pink Book has been launched. More posts will be added to A Little Pink Book over the next week, so keep visiting:
alittlepinkbook.blogspot.com
My Melbourne will continue with Melbourne orientated posts so you can continue to get your Melbourne fix here
alittlepinkbook.blogspot.com
My Melbourne will continue with Melbourne orientated posts so you can continue to get your Melbourne fix here
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