THE LOFTY WINNER
On Saturday night at Watch This Space, in the midst of a mad experimental night of blindfolded fine dining, sock puppet discussion and candle-lit conga lines, chair of the board Dan Murphy announced the winner of the LOFTY – a new award created to honour a local artist who has contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Central Australia.
The winner of the 2011 LOFTY award is Franca Barraclough. In addition to Franca’s contribution to Alice Springs through her five years working at Red Hots Arts as regional arts development officer and festival program co-ordinator, and the many innovative projects that emerged from her roles – most notably the ‘Happenings In The Mall’ public performance program – Franca has created and contributed to numerous other creative works including exhibitions, short plays, performance of many kinds, the annual Cats Meow cabaret, Bite Sized Theatre, and the list goes on. Watch This Space is very proud to be able to recognise such an important contributor to Alice Springs.
With five great nominees – Pip McManus, J9 Stanton, Jenny Taylor and Neridah Stockley – the judging process was long and difficult. It is proof of the vibrant and committed arts community of Alice Springs.
“The award is not like any other art award - in fact it isn’t an really an art award at all. It is awarded to an individual acknowledging the recipients’ contribution to community through their practice and recognises those who play a role in the ‘ever evolving creative culture of Central Australia’. Whilst the award is given to an individual it is also the broader community who benefit from the acknowledgement and encouragement of those involved in creative enterprises. This type of encouragement enables the broader community to be inspired and participate in arts and culture. It helps develop an inclusive, healthier and more vibrant place to live.”
From the judges:
“If the award is about changing and enriching the cultural practice of Alice Springs, then in the time Franca has been dedicated to her practice she has created a wealth of new events and approaches to performance. Bringing performance into public space, offering opportunities to people who have never been part of that world to jump in and her own presence and aptitude for entertainment are exemplary. Her involvement in conceiving, producing and curating exhibitions is another feather in her hat. She has been able to recognize, tap into and release a creative vein flowing through Alice Springs. And may the geyser continue for a long time to come.”
“The community is the ultimate winner of the LOFTY – with such a great selection of nominees proving what an excellent community of artists we have in Central Australia”
Donations toward the LOFTY are welcome and encouraged for the longevity of the award. Donations are tax deductible. Please contact wts@wts.org.au or 89521949 to find out how to donate.
