THE JAC VISION PROJECT FUND

The JAC vision is a proposal for the cultural development of the former St Joseph’s College at 100 Barkly St, Fitzroy North, into a multi-discipline community art centre, comprising of the following: low-cost artist/writers studios, rehearsal and performance spaces, artist-run gallery and café, and a public artist library (including a ‘rare artist book’ room).

Envisioned JAC programs include: an arts education program (for school groups and evening classes for adults), a publishing arm called ‘Flame Books’, ‘The Flame’ poetry readings, ‘The Flame’ community arts journal, an artist residency program (local and international), artist talks and forums.

At this conceptual stage sponsorship is required to fund the JAC administration body which administers the current, provisional community at 100 Barkly St. The provisional status of the community is in respect of Our Lady Help of Christians parish discerning the future of the site and considering professionally tendered proposals. The immediate aim of the JAC administration body is to crystallise its vision into a professional proposal for the parish. To this end JAC is calling for any assistance possible, particularly in the community arts, legal and business sectors.

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'ARTISTS FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL'

‘Artists For Spiritual Renewal’ lies at the heart of J-studios Artist Community. Spiritual renewal, both within and through the arts is the central philosophy of JAC and the touch-stone of all its activities.

‘Artists For Spiritual Renewal’ is the core group of JAC. Its members include artists from all disciplines who have, through their creative practice ‘touched the limbs of no-where’ and who have found themselves held ‘in the hands of a timeless memory.’.

‘Artists For Spiritual Renewal’ hold and facilitate regular exhibitions, readings and forums, all of which require on-going funding and support.

Activities during 2007 have included the launch of James Waller’s poetry chap-book, “The Call”, and a group exhibition in The Carmelite Library (Middle Park) titled “From The Chalice To The Chamber”.

The profile of ‘Artists for Spiritual Renewal’ makes it a prime candidate for sponsor-ship from the religious community as it attempts to forge a new relationship between contemporary art and spiritual practice.

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THE FLAME POETRY READINGS

On the 3rd of June 2007 JAC held its first monthly poetry reading with well known local poets Andy Jackson and Luis Gonzalez Serrano as features. The reading incorporates an ‘open stage’ with two feature poets who are each paid for their feature. On-going sponsorship is required to be able to pay the poets, who-let’s face it- hardly ever receive any monetary reward for their work. If you would like to support poetry in Melbourne this is one way to do it!

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THE SHELTON LEA COMMUNITY ARTS LIBRARY

The Shelton Lea Community Arts Library is a proposal for the creation of an artist library and resource centre in the former St Joseph's College library building. The SLCAL would include three writers' studios and an arts collection comprising of specialist items, including: limited edition artist books, zines, literary journals, self-published manuscripts and recordings.

Shelton Lea (1946-2005) was a legend of the Melbourne poetry scene and a champion of the under-privaleged, having himself arisen from a life on the streets.

The J-studios Artist Community is calling for any assistance possible to realise this vision, particularly from the philanthropic, community arts, government, business and library sectors.