Brisbane's thriving arts scene was in the spotlight with the Brisbane Artist-Run Initiative (BARI) Festival in August.

The BARI Festival featured three exhibitions, each presenting the work of about 20 artists, and was a great opportunity to see what is on the horizon for emerging trends, fresh concepts and tomorrow's stars of the art world.

Key artist-run initiatives involved in the BARI festival were Kiln gallery, Flipbook gallery, Uncovers Artist Initiative and Jugglers Art Space.

Artist-run initiatives play a critical role in providing exhibition opportunities for many artists at the start of their careers. They offer artists a chance to experiment or present work in disciplines that may not be commercially categorised. 

Artist-run initiatives offer a sense of freedom or liberation for artists, a space outside the commercial environment yet still among peers. They also foster collaboration by sharing resources and support and encouraging artists to manage their own spaces and create their own exhibition opportunities.

Through the exhibitions, workshops and a forum, the festival delivered a comprehensive package that covers many aspects of what it means to be a practicing artist in Brisbane, as well as examining the place of artist-run initiatives.

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We welcome feedback and contributions to Arts Update. Please contact the editor, Colleen Turner on (07) 3225 8841 or email artsupdate@arts.qld.gov.au