Two Footscray Community Arts Centre artists in residence will be exhibiting over the next two months.
In its first year, the centre’s Residence program has supported more than 30 independent artists and collectives from underrepresented backgrounds.
The program, which provides free studio space and support, was developed in response to the lack of affordable creative space in Melbourne’s west.
Emerging artists Karima Baadilla and Foni Salvatore are about to exhibit their first solo shows at centre.
“I still find it quite confronting to show my de-colonised painting series to the public,” Baadilla said.
“Due to COVID-19, I lost access to my artist studio and it’s become hard both physically and financially to lease them now.
“So, the time and space to create within Residence really helps me re-establish and recommit to my creative practice, within a nurturing and inspiring community.”
Baadila’s work will be displayed mid-August, followed by Salvatore’s in September.
For details, footscrayarts.com
Goya Dmytryshchak
