anode 2009

This season of events, exhibitions, performances and experiences has been collectively curated through networks, groups and collectives throughout Sydney and Melbourne.  It's about connections, a theme or a single Artistic Director's vision.  anode is primarily focused on local, independent and experimental art, it's not about importing culture from overseas - although there are some international connections made through links with Australian artists and musicians.  

The main hub of activity revolves around a festival pop-up bar featuring exhibitions, installations, design, sound art, projections, sound tacks, DJ's and performances.  Satellite events, screenings and exhibitions are also connected through the program from 30th October - 5th December 2009.  

Join in, sign up to find out more.

Throughout the year there are many festivals and events that bring a range of artists and performer together, we are inspired by

Now Now Festival: Blue Mountains
What Is Music: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane 
This Is Not Art: Newcastle 
MIBEM: Melbourne International Biennale of Exploratory Music 
Unsound: Riverena region NSW 
Wireld Lab: Riverena region NSW
Underbelly: Sydney 

Overseas we are inspired by these events

Prix Ars Electronica: Berlin 
Node London: London
Performa 07: New York 
Transitio_MX02 Festival: Mexico 
Istanbul Biennale: Istanbul 
Anti Festival: Finland 
Experimentica: Cardiff 

Inspired by Creative Time in New York and Node London, Anode is a framework for curators to practice in. Eschewing the single-vision approach of an artistic director, Anode is collectively curated through networks and groups in Sydney and Melbourne. Anode is simply the framework which connects artists and audiences to new work and each other.

Anode takes the focus off the idea of curator-as-dictator.

With a focus on local, independent and experimental works, Anode resists the temptation to import culture from overseas. All events are created by local artists or curated by local practitioners with international connections.

There are thousands of practitioners working in warehouses, bedrooms, studios, on walls and in their heads all over Sydney and Melbourne. Their work and their ideas deserve a platform as focused as the international artists who are showcased in major events like Sydney Festival and Melbourne International Arts Festival. We love seeing what the rest of the world are doing, but Anode looks at whatis happening right under our noses, and showcases it for all to see.

Anode is part of the pro-amateur movement sweeping through the art community. We love the idea that everyone is a creator.

Anode doesn’t make a distinction between ‘emerging’ or ‘young’ artists and those who are older or more experienced. Anode doesn’t care if this is your first or 50th work. Nor does it curate according to a theme. Our focus is on independent and experimental artists working across all disciplines. The program is not bound by genres or formats, it encompasses exhibitions, installations, design projects, sound art, film screenings, projections, live performances, listening rooms and a gallery exhibition stream – sometimes all at once.

Anode is also not an open platform (such as the Fringe Festivals) or an umbrella for anyone who wants to put on a show. Anode hands curatorial duties over to a multitude of artists and curators who are working in compliemtary ways.

The works they bring to the season serve as nodes which connect both the entire city and artistic community.

The lack of traditional gallery spaces, venues, halls available for a local, not-for-profit art season to use means Anode finds unique spaces and unique ways of using them. Not only because we have to but because we want to. This year we will take over warehouses, rooftops, café menu-boards, an incinerator, a public car park and gallery strips.

Keeping it local is one expression of Anode’s sustainable art philosophy. Anode draws on the talent that exists in our cities right now. 

Anode offers a framework that encourages collaborations to develop organically.  Curators, artists and audiences spark against each other....producing unexpected interactions and outcomes.  The program of events and exhibitions will develop throughout the season - watch it evolve right here.