Hobart’s InsideOUT program bringing art to every corner of the city

Published on 06 March 2024

Hobart boasts a wealth of artistic talent, yet the availability of gallery spaces suitable for solo exhibitions, installations, or performative works is limited.

The ongoing mission of City of Hobart is to make creative experiences and opportunities more accessible for both artists and audiences, as outlined in the Capita City Strategic Plan’s creativity and culture pillar.

InsideOUT embodies this objective by bringing art outside the confines of traditional gallery spaces while maintaining a controlled indoor environment.

This innovative program operates within Creative Hobart's new public art platform, featuring two portable 'cube' galleries.

These cubes provide a secure, weatherproof setting to showcase a diverse range of creative works.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said this was a significant initiative.

"The InsideOUT program represents a pivotal moment in our city's cultural landscape,” Cr Reynolds said.

“By providing innovative platforms for artists to showcase their work, we are not only enriching the cultural fabric of our community but also democratizing access to art in all its forms."

Aligned with the Public Art Framework's key direction of "Expressive: City as a platform for creative expression," InsideOUT will deploy two tiny arts boxes across the municipality, offering space for artists working in diverse mediums including performance, visual arts, moving image, literature, sound, and music.

These customised cube shipping containers, equipped with glazed doors and digital media components, will serve as movable galleries, showcasing exhibitions for two to three months at a time.

Hobart Creative City Portfolio Chair, Cr John Kelly said, "InsideOUT embodies our commitment to supporting local artists and expanding the reach of creative experiences throughout our city.

These mobile galleries will not only activate public spaces but also provide artists with new opportunities to engage with audiences in unique and unexpected ways."

The inaugural InsideOUT program will feature two compelling exhibitions, with the first show, InsideOUT #1, debuting on 6 March. Renowned artist Matthew Stolp will present a captivating performative work in one of the arts boxes, located prominently at the front of Town Hall.

Stolp's humorous exploration of the endangered Cascade Funnel Web Spider promises to captivate audiences with its blend of puppetry and comedy.

“People walking past the InsideOut cube will see a giant Cascade Funnel Web spider inside his web,” Mr Stolp said.

"He's waiting patiently for a mate and weaving enticing words into his web; the kinds of words you might see on someone's dating app profile!

“This lonely spider is hoping to attract the love of his life, but little does he know, he's the last remaining specimen of the Cascade Funnel Web, a species we now consider extinct ...or is it?

“The spider sits still and patient but at certain times during the week you will see him spring to life! I've attempted to create an artwork for the whole family.

“The spider is in the style of a children's drawing, but he is a little sinister and scary nonetheless - he is a spider after all!”

Following in May, InsideOUT #2 will showcase the stunning photography of local artist Andy Hatton, who will transform both InsideOUT arts boxes at Lower Sandy Bay Beach with his evocative images of the Esmond Dorney House at Fort Nelson.

Hatton's innovative approach, combining large format photographs, projection, and vinyl decals, will offer a compelling narrative of the architectural marvel.

For more information on InsideOUT and upcoming exhibitions, please visit https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Community/Creative-Hobart/Creative-Hobart-programs/InsideOUT