This project was part of a bigger program initiating the City of Prospect’s recently completed Newmarch Gallery in October of 2019. A number of artists were invited to undertake week-long presentations in the gallery, encouraging periods of creative activity and community engagement.
The gallery is named in honour of legendary Prospect based artist, Ann Newmarch. Newmarch is a printmaker, activist and community-oriented artist who is recognised locally, nationally and internationally. She was awarded an O.A.M for her contributions in 1989 and was the first female living artist to be given a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia, in 1997. An Australia Day Honours Award was named after her iconic work, Women Hold up Half the Sky (1978), in 2010.
Ann was a lecturer of wild repute during my undergrad years at the South Australian School of Art and I have always looked up to her way of being and so many of her artistic achievements. I have known Ann to foster and mentor many young artists over time. Anecdotally, during the discussions of naming the new gallery, Ann insisted that her first name not be included so that the title be more open to be read as (the) New March, rather than specifically focussed on her. I think this is testament to her strong progressive social and creative practices. Bravo, City of Prospect for such a timely recognition of an invaluable South Australian icon!
Newmarch Gallery is part of the new Payinthi building, 128 Prospect Rd, Prospect.