Art Matters #33 - Brent Dakis - The Forge Institute
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Today on Art Matters we were joined on the phone by Brent Dakis, who has recently created 
The Forge Institute—a not-for-profit youth arts organisation offering young people safe, supportive spaces to explore creativity through workshops, mentorships, and exhibitions. 
The Forge Institute has emerged from a very personal place for Brent, and we talked all about the vision behind it, the work they’re doing, and how our community can get involved.
You can find out more about The Forge Institute and how you can support it on their website
theforgeinstitute.au
or instagram
@theforgeinstitute.inc

There will be a Forge Institute stall at the Burrinja Art Fair this weekend if you want to go along and have a chat or find out more. (plus stickers!!)

A massive thanks to Brent for sharing such personal things on air for our listeners and also for creating something so needed for our youth in the hills.
This conversation did touch on youth suicide and mental health 
- if you’re feeling impacted by anything discussed today, please know you’re not alone. 
You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 
Kids helpline1800 55 1800
or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
for support at any time.

Todays Tracks:
Army of me (Bjork Cover), Julia Jacklin & RVG
Mingle, Georgia Knight 
Nobody loves you more, Kim Deal
Floating, Blue Nude

THANK YOU to our Subscribers: 
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougen - Artist
Natasja - Textile Artist
Rajko Grbac - Sculptor
The Forge Institute - Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #33 - Brent Dakis - The Forge Institute Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
Today on Art Matters we were joined on the phone by Brent Dakis, who has recently created The Forge Institute&mdash;a not-for-profit youth arts organisation offering young people safe, supportive spaces to explore creativity through workshops, mentorships, and exhibitions. The Forge Institute has emerged from a very personal place for Brent, and we talked all about the vision behind it, the work they&rsquo;re doing, and how our community can get involved. You can find out more about The Forge Institute and how you can support it on their website <a href="https://theforgeinstitute.au/">theforgeinstitute.au</a> or instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theforgeinstitute.inc">@theforgeinstitute.inc </a> There will be a Forge Institute stall at the Burrinja Art Fair this weekend if you want to go along and have a chat or find out more. (plus stickers!!) A massive thanks to Brent for sharing such personal things on air for our listeners and also for creating something so needed for our youth in the hills. This conversation did touch on youth suicide and mental health - if you&rsquo;re feeling impacted by anything discussed today, please know you&rsquo;re not alone. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids helpline <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au/">1800 55 1800</a> or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for support at any time.
Todays Tracks: Army of me (Bjork Cover), Julia Jacklin &amp; RVG Mingle, Georgia Knight&nbsp; Nobody loves you more, Kim Deal Floating, Blue Nude THANK YOU to our Subscribers:&nbsp; Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougen - Artist Natasja - Textile Artist Rajko Grbac - Sculptor The Forge Institute - Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>

Welcome to Art Matters, the dedicated 3MDR radio Art show that brings the world of local art to the airwaves! Whether you're an art maker an art lover, or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

Join me, Sal, as we dive into the local art scene with engaging artist interviews, gallery spotlights, and insightful reviews - real conversations about creativity, passion, and the people making art happen in your community.
We will also venture further afield to bring you information on exciting exhibitions, events and happenings that you should get out and about to attend.

Expect lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at what’s new, now, and next in local art.

It’ll be educational, it’ll be entertaining, and it’ll be all about celebrating the talent that surrounds us.

Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the creative conversation on Art Matters!

Let us know about your Art practice at artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com or @artmatters_97.1fm

Welcome to&nbsp;Art Matters,&nbsp;the dedicated 3MDR radio Art show that brings the world of local art to the airwaves! Whether you're an art maker an art lover, or just looking for some inspiration, we&rsquo;ve got you covered. Join me, Sal, as we dive into the local art scene with&nbsp;engaging artist interviews, gallery spotlights, and insightful reviews&nbsp;- real conversations about creativity, passion, and the people making art happen in your community. We will also venture further afield to bring you information on exciting exhibitions, events and happenings that you should get out and about to attend. Expect&nbsp;lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at what&rsquo;s new, now, and next in local art. It&rsquo;ll be educational, it&rsquo;ll be entertaining, and it&rsquo;ll be all about celebrating the talent that surrounds us. Tune in, get inspired, and&nbsp;be part of the creative conversation on Art Matters!
Let us know about your Art practice at <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a> or @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters

Art Matters - 02.12.2025

Art Matters #35 - Artists Nat Wijeyeratne and Barry Spencer
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Today on Art Matters, I had these two ledges in the studio to help me reflect on the year that was and chat about some things we attended, tried, learnt, failed at (will rework)  as well as a whole lot of plans to make, things to go see over the summer, adventures to be had!
Things from major blockbusters at NGV (like Westwood | Kawakubo) and immersive experiences at THE LUME or a hidden away gem of an exhibition at the State Library of Victoria - to unique regional gems like Ballarat Art Galleries textile focus or the Mornington Regional Art Galleries current show Unfolded, plus all the stops in between – catch something local in Ringwood at Realm Artspace or around the corner at Burrinja Cultural Centre or The Hut Gallery.
There is so much to see and experience around Victoria. Get out there and get yourself some art and we'll check in with you all in 2026!!

Here are some Websites to jump on for more information:

NGV
HEIDE
MCLELLAND
MORNINGTON
STATE LIBRARY
BURRINJA
BALLARAT
REALM
THE HUT GALLERY

Todays Tracks:
Beat goes on, The all seeing I
Digital Witness, St Vincent

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers:

Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougan – Artist
Natasja - Textile artist
Rajko Grbac (sculptor) 
The Forge Institute – Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy from Belgrave 

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #35 - Artists Nat Wijeyeratne and Barry Spencer Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019 Today on Art Matters, I had these two ledges in the studio to help me reflect on the year that was and chat about some things we attended, tried, learnt, failed at (will rework)&nbsp; as well as a whole lot of plans to make, things to go see over the summer, adventures to be had! Things from major blockbusters at NGV (like Westwood | Kawakubo) and immersive experiences at&nbsp;THE LUME or a hidden away gem of an exhibition at the State Library of Victoria -&nbsp;to unique regional gems like Ballarat Art Galleries&nbsp;textile focus or the Mornington Regional Art Galleries&nbsp;current show Unfolded, plus all the stops in between &ndash; catch something local in Ringwood at&nbsp;Realm Artspace or around the corner at Burrinja Cultural Centre or The Hut Gallery. There is so much to see and experience around Victoria. Get out there and get yourself some art and we'll check in with you all in 2026!! Here are some Websites to jump on for more information: <a href="https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/">NGV</a> <a href="https://www.heide.com.au/">HEIDE</a> <a href="https://mcclelland.org.au/">MCLELLAND</a> <a href="https://mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Home">MORNINGTON</a> <a href="https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/exhibitions/creative-acts/">STATE LIBRARY</a> <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/">BURRINJA</a> <a href="https://www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au/">BALLARAT</a> <a href="https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/ArtsInMaroondah/Arts-venues-and-spaces/ArtSpace-at-Realm">REALM</a> <a href="https://www.thehutgallery.com.au/">THE HUT GALLERY</a> Todays Tracks: Beat goes on, The all seeing I Digital Witness, St Vincent A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers:
Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougan &ndash; Artist Natasja - Textile artist Rajko Grbac (sculptor) The Forge Institute &ndash; Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy from Belgrave&nbsp; Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>

Art Matters - 16.12.2025

Art Matters #34 - Gareth Hart - Lying Down in Public Places
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Today we had the always engaging Gareth Hart in the studio to talk all about their exhibition - 
Lying Down in Public Places, currently showing in the area surrounding Walker st Gallery and Art Centre in Dandenong, and the performance that happened as part of the work as well.

This project proposes lying down as an act of radical queerness.

Set amongst the concrete playground of the Dandenong, surrounding Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre (which might be read as masculine), ‘Lying down in public places’ is just what it sounds like: a body at rest.

Through this rest, lying down becomes an act of extreme gentleness and care, amongst the hard surfaces of the city: surfaces the artist associates with a ‘masculine’ city.

The work extends Hart’s interest in how queer bodies take up space in the public domain - and the politics of revealing and concealing that are intrinsically linked to this idea.

In thinking about gender as a spectrum, and the capacity of the non-binary body to be both a site of protest and a tool of protest, this work (realised through both photography and live performance), seeks ways to queer public space, subtly. This body at rest asks us to consider softness, queerness and release as acts of resistance.

Concept and realisation: Gareth Hart
Photography: Cathy Ronalds

You can find out more about the work at @artsgreaterdandy  or @artgareth
and walker-street-gallery

Directions - Walker St Gallery and Art Space

Todays Tracks:
Radio Ladio, Metronomy
Wildfires, SAULT 
Ready for the floor, Hot Chip

THANK YOU to our Subscribers: 
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougan - Artist
Natasja - Textile Artist
Rajko Grbac - Sculptor
The Forge Institute - Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

 

Art Matters #34 - Gareth Hart - Lying Down in Public Places Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019 Today we had the always engaging Gareth Hart in the studio to talk all about their exhibition - Lying Down in Public Places, currently showing in the area surrounding Walker st Gallery and Art Centre in Dandenong, and the performance that happened as part of the work as well.
This project proposes lying down as an act of radical queerness.
Set amongst the concrete playground of the Dandenong, surrounding Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre (which might be read as masculine), &lsquo;Lying down in public places&rsquo; is just what it sounds like: a body at rest.
Through this rest, lying down becomes an act of extreme gentleness and care, amongst the hard surfaces of the city: surfaces the artist associates with a &lsquo;masculine&rsquo; city.
The work extends Hart&rsquo;s interest in how queer bodies take up space in the public domain - and the politics of revealing and concealing that are intrinsically linked to this idea.
In thinking about gender as a spectrum, and the capacity of the non-binary body to be both a site of protest and a tool of protest, this work (realised through both photography and live performance), seeks ways to queer public space, subtly. This body at rest asks us to consider softness, queerness and release as acts of resistance.
Concept and realisation: Gareth Hart Photography: Cathy Ronalds You can find out more about the work at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artsgreaterdandy/?hl=en">@artsgreaterdandy</a>&nbsp; or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRgx7bykqnz/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">@artgareth</a> and <a href="https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/walker-street-gallery">walker-street-gallery</a>
Directions - <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/nfW47Jve4JUBzvHq8">Walker St Gallery and Art Space</a>
Todays Tracks: Radio Ladio, Metronomy Wildfires, SAULT&nbsp; Ready for the floor, Hot Chip THANK YOU to our Subscribers:&nbsp; Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougan - Artist Natasja - Textile Artist Rajko Grbac - Sculptor The Forge Institute - Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>
&nbsp;

Art Matters - 09.12.2025 - Gareth Hart

Art Matters #32 - CJ Baxter - Burrinja Art Fair 
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Today on Art Matters we were joined by Artist, maker, organiser, collaborator, and all-round community champion — CJ Baxter.

CJ currently works at Burrinja but has also spent years building opportunities for artists through markets, events, exhibitions, and creative networks. Today she told us all about the Burrinja Art Fair happening on December 6th — what you’ll find there, the artists involved, and why supporting local makers this Christmas really does matter.

Burrinja Art Fair - FREE Event
OVER 40 stalls in and outside the building
Food stalls
Bar/Cafe
Live Music - Tony J King - 11:00am-1:00pm
Jenna Campbell - 1:30pm-3:30pm
Ruccis Circus
Live art demonstartions
Interactive making

10:30 - 4pm
Saturday 6th December 
Burrinja Cultural Centre
351 Glenfern Rd Upwey
www.burrinja.org.au

AND 
Check out the Summer Salon exhibition in the Lyre Gallery opening from 2-4pm upstairs.
$500 or less all artworks for sale.


Todays Tracks:
Who, David Byrne & St. Vincent
Wooly Booly, Sam Sham & The Pharaoh's 
Everything is now, Jess Ribeiro

THANK YOU to our Subscribers: 
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougen - Artist
Natasja - Textile Artist
Rajko Grbac - Sculptor
The Forge Institute - Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #32 - CJ Baxter - Burrinja Art Fair&nbsp; Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
Today on Art Matters we were joined by Artist, maker, organiser, collaborator, and all-round community champion &mdash; CJ Baxter.
CJ currently works at Burrinja but has also spent years building opportunities for artists through markets, events, exhibitions, and creative networks. Today she told us all about the&nbsp;Burrinja Art Fair happening on December 6th &mdash; what you&rsquo;ll find there, the artists involved, and why supporting local makers this Christmas really does matter.
Burrinja Art Fair - FREE Event OVER 40 stalls in and outside the building Food stalls Bar/Cafe Live Music - Tony J King - 11:00am-1:00pm Jenna Campbell - 1:30pm-3:30pm Ruccis Circus Live art demonstartions Interactive making 10:30 - 4pm Saturday 6th December&nbsp; Burrinja Cultural Centre 351 Glenfern Rd Upwey <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au">www.burrinja.org.au</a>
AND&nbsp; Check out the Summer Salon exhibition in the Lyre Gallery opening from 2-4pm upstairs. $500 or less all artworks for sale.
 Todays Tracks: Who,&nbsp;David Byrne &amp; St. Vincent Wooly Booly, Sam Sham &amp; The Pharaoh's&nbsp; Everything is now, Jess Ribeiro THANK YOU to our Subscribers:&nbsp; Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougen - Artist Natasja - Textile Artist Rajko Grbac - Sculptor The Forge Institute - Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>

Art Matters - 02.12.2025

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