Pop-up exhibition to open door for new and young local artists

Arthouse Revolution creator Fraser Toulmin. Photo/John Borren

An pop-up art initiative showcasing emerging artists is calling for submissions from locals.

The Arthouse Revolution, an exhibition in a gallery constructed from a re-purposed shipping container, will be displayed in Rotorua and Tauranga.

Creator of Arthouse Revolution, Papamoa-based Fraser Toulmin, said while the project was open to all from the Bay of Plenty, it aimed to target youth.

"I'm thinking the NCEA and polytechnic artist or those who maybe haven't considered art as a career option. I want to give them exposure...I noticed a number of artists who haven't got exposure because of the costs associated with hiring an exhibition space, perhaps nervous about approaching a gallery, or don't have enough work for a solo show."

Of those chosen to exhibit, 25 per cent will be between 14 and 25.

Mr Toulmin said the shipping container was used as it was mobile and self-sufficient.

He did research into containers, looking in to those used for shops and galleries following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

"Living near Port of Tauranga, it was easy to get a container."

While his day job is working for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Mr Toulmin does photography as a hobby.

'I've been doing it for 20 years... It's linked in with travel, it has become a passion."

He said to those perhaps nervous to send in their artwork not to be put off by the prospect of failure or not being selected.

"The judges will be selecting work for different purposes, more than just aesthetics, give it a crack, you'll never know until you try."

He said without artwork, the exhibition would just be an empty container.

Three industry professionals will judge the pieces to be exhibited, though Mr Toulmin said he would prefer they not be named to remove any perceived bias.

There are several criteria for submitted artwork, including that all artwork must be wall mounted and no larger than 600 x 700mm.

Mr Toulmin said he would like to see 20 to 30 artworks on display.

The exhibition is funded through a successful Boosted campaign, creative communities scheme funding and private sponsorship.

Local community arts advocate Jill Walker said she thought it was a cool and well-researched initiative.

"I'm really excited to see the idea come to life, it's a different and new idea to have [the exhibition] in a container. The show is a great opportunity for new artists, especially young artists, right across the board. It'll add value to our city."

Submissions close September 7, and the work will be showcased at Manawa - Heart of the City from November 16 to 28.

The gallery will also be in Tauranga for the Arts Festival from October 19 to 29.