Arts Project Australia: Studio Open Day

Next date: Sunday, 14 September 2025 | 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM

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Presented by Arts Project Australia as part of Darebin FUSE Festival

Arts Project Australia (APA) warmly welcomes everyone to experience the energy, talent and imagination of its renowned artists at the 2025 Studio Open Day. This one-day event celebrates and showcases the studio artists whose work continues to shape the landscape of contemporary Australian art.

Visitors can explore and experience a packed program of artist-led drop-in workshops, talks, roaming performances, art and merch sales, zine stalls, and live music. Highlights include a major studio exhibition, zines and storytelling by Daniel Pace, costume life drawing with Bronwyn Hack, live portraits by Amani Tia, music from PARSNIP, and the return of the iconic Retribution Teddy Bears workshop hosted by Adrian Lazzaro. With DJ sets, a roaming MC, and creative activities for all ages, Studio Open Day is free, family friendly, and open to everyone. No bookings required. 

Image: Arts Project Australia Open Day, photo by Simon Auber

About Arts Project Australia

ARTS PROJECT AUSTRALIA

Arts Project Australia (APA) is an internationally leading visual arts organisation that champions neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability. Through their studio program, exhibition opportunities, and professional development pathways, they empower Arts Project artists to develop their practice and meaningful careers in the contemporary art world.  

The studio is a vibrant creative hub and the first of its kind in Australia, hosting over 150 artists each week working across painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, digital art, animation, sculpture, and more.  

 

About the Artists

BRONWYN HACK

Bronwyn Hack is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans sculpture, painting, printmaking, and ceramics, often exploring animals, anatomy, and the body through playful yet intricate forms. Hack has worked with Arts Project Australia since 2011. She has had solo exhibitions at Daine Singer (2025) and Arts Project Australia (2020, 2016). Recent group exhibitions include Intimate Imaginaries at TarraWarra Museum of Art, Victoria (2024); and Conflated, a NETS Victoria touring exhibition (2022–23).

MARK SMITH

Mark Smith’s multidisciplinary practice—spanning painting, ceramics, mixed media, video, and soft sculpture—explores the complexities of the human condition through physical form, emotional language, and philosophical inquiry. He has exhibited widely across Australia since 2007, with works held in major public collections such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Monash University Museum of Art, and Merri-bek Art Collection.

AMANI TIA

Amani Tia has a distinctive style, shaped by his surroundings and a strong foundation in drawing. A studio artist at Arts Project Australia since 2013, Tia has exhibited widely—including the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards and Bundoora Nebula Residency—and regularly features in curated group shows and the annual Gala Exhibition.

ADRIAN LAZZARO

Adrian Lazzaro works across drawing, printmaking, textiles, and zines, creating emotionally charged, punk-infused works marked by vivid line-work, saturated color, and sharp social commentary. A studio artist at Arts Project Australia since 2004, he has exhibited widely, with works held in public collections such as Wangaratta Art Gallery and the City of Merri-Bek. 

LISA REID

Lisa Reid is a multidisciplinary artist whose meticulously detailed works—spanning ceramics, painting, drawing, and digital media—draw on themes of home, memory, and personal history, often referencing family albums and vintage objects. A studio artist at Arts Project Australia since 2002, she has exhibited widely across major institutions, with her work held in prominent collections including the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra) and the National Gallery of Victoria.

DANIEL PACE

Daniel Pace is a multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant pencil works, ceramics, and digital art, often inspired by Disney and Tim Burton, reimagined through his unique lens. An Arts Project Australia studio artist since 2010, he has exhibited widely and has work held in private collections across Australia.

MICHAEL CAMAKARIS

Michael Camakaris is a multidisciplinary artist whose bold, symbolically rich works span drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and new media, often exploring classical mythology to reflect on power, identity, and transformation. An Arts Project Australia studio artist since 2010, he has exhibited widely, with multiple solo exhibitions, most recently The Fall of Icarus, APA Gallery (2025). His works are held in the University of Melbourne collection and private collections internationally.

PARSNIP

PARSNIP is a Naarm/Melbourne based girl band formed in 2016 known for their playful, lo-fi pop sound that blends garage rock, post-punk, and psych-pop influences. 

TYCHO DAHLSTROM

Tycho Dahlstrom is an emerging artist who works across drawing, printmaking, performance and video. His interests — including music and popular culture — play out through his art practice resulting in stylised characters and portraits of political figures. Dahlstrom has worked at Arts Project Australia since 2019 and has exhibited in group exhibitions in Melbourne. His work is held in private collections in Australia. 

JAMES DAWES

James Dawes is an emerging artist whose practice spans drawing, printmaking, painting, and embroidery. His work frequently features his favourite bands and pop stars rendered confidently with fluid, continuous linework. Dawes has worked at Arts Project Australia since 2011. He has exhibited in group exhibitions in Melbourne, co-curated Devoted to You at APA this year and his work is held in private collections in Australia. 

Age suitability

Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Participatory activities are recommended for ages 6+.

Duration

The Open Day runs from 11am - 4pm. Visitors may come and go as they wish.

Venue and accessibility information

Venue:
Arts Project Australia's Studio has step-free access, an accessible toilet, gender-neutral toilets, a low-sensory/quiet room, and welcomes assistance animals.

Event access information:
All artist talks will be Auslan-interpreted. 

Supported by Creative Australia, Creative Victoria, City of Darebin, Bowness Family Foundation, Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, and Leonard Joel.

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Darebin Arts and Darebin FUSE Festival acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners, custodians and cultural leaders of this land. We pay respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the continuing connection to Land, Water and Culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

When

  • Sunday, 14 September 2025 | 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Location

Arts Project Australia Studio, 24 High Street, Northcote, 3070, View Map

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