Like many artists who live and work in Brisbane, Phoebe Paradise is all too familiar with the trials and tribulations that come with finding a stable studio space. The acclaimed illustrator and artist, whose work documents and pays tribute to the scuffed-up charm of Brisbane suburbia, has made a move to the inner city, founding brand-new artist residency and exhibition space Merivale Studios a short stroll from Fish Lane.
“As a full-time artist myself, I needed to find somewhere that would fill specific criteria,” says Phoebe of the motivations driving the project. “Somewhere central, easily accessible by public transport, small-ish so I felt secure with a curated group of residents, and crucially – crucially – well air-conditioned so my gear wouldn’t melt in the Brisbane heat! It just made sense to start something new, and leverage my professional network to find like-minded artists who wanted to join in.”
Looking to provide a space for working creatives that boasts a one-size-fits-all versatility, Merivale Studios (which occupies the warehouse space previously home to incubator Entrepreneur Haus) is equipped with a number of converted shipping-container spaces fit for all creative practices. In addition to this, the venue is also furnished with a customisable exhibition space, a number of hot desks, a photo studio and a podcast studio/private-meeting room.
“The big goal is really just to do what it says on the tin – provide a high-quality space for mid-career to established artists and creative businesses, and generate opportunities that make more sense to be delivered to a community than artists running their practice in isolation,” says Phoebe. “I’m very fortunate to have some amazing partnerships for this studio, which is something that gets to provide immediate value for each of the residents.”
Currently, Merivale Studios is home to 16 artists, including the likes of illustrator and muralist Tori-Jay Mordey, illustrator Sam McKenzie, street artists Fintan Magee and Gus Eagleton, traditional oil painter Zaide Harker, fine art, event and fashion photographers Macami and AtomicX, and Luke Shirlaw – who runs publishing house Artillery Worldwide from the venue. “Everyone involved with the studio is at the top of their game, with unique visual arts practices that contribute greatly to the space and the Brisbane art community at large,” Phoebe tells us.
Each resident of Merivale Studios has the opportunity to activate the gallery during the term of their residency, with Phoebe estimating roughly 15 exhibitions to take place over the next 12 months, so be sure to follow Merivale Studios online for updates on upcoming events.
For more information on residency applications, head to the Merivale Studios website.
