[ BACK ]

.... ...................................................................

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAST [ 24 HOUR Actions ] was the major project of the Geelong Arts Alliance's for 2002. The concept of FAST developed as we explored ideas for an inclusive and particapatory project that crosses artforms, involved diverse, and in particular marginalised communities such as the unemployed, that challenged the notion of the "professional" artist and the traditional gallery, and was also contemporary, edgy, a bit dangerous and lots of fun.

FAST was a series of art actions in public spaces - joyful, political, provocative and unpredictable actions, in the spirit of 60's groups such as Fluxus and the Situationists.

FAST was about process, transformation and possibility.

14 actions took place over the year, involving the community as both participants and audience. The message of FAST was that art can be egalitarian and involving and can reflect a local identity without being safe or condescending. It enabled artists and communities to reclaim bland city spaces for creativity and action, turning the public into its arts audience.

FAST Coordinator Angela O'Donnell worked tirelessly to make FAST a sucess. "Angela, she's our worker," said Rita Halabarec. Angela was supported by the FAST Committee of Leanne Stein, Mark Cuthbertson, David Dellafiora, Sue Hartigan, Sue Jones, photographer Sharon Jones, and designer David Morison, who all gave up nights, weekends and a social life to work on FAST.

We thank VicHealth who funded FAST under the Arts for Health program, and for their support and awareness of the interaction between art making and the health of communities. We also thank the City of Greater Geelong for supporting FAST and of course all the artists and communities who took part.

Sue Hartigan

FAST personnel

Demir Aliu, Jason Beveridge, Mark Cuthbertson, David Dellafiora, Nick Dokos, Scott Gilli, Rita Halabarec, Susan Hartigan, Mardi Janetzki, Sharon Jones, Dragon Kostelnik, Luisa Lafornara, David Morison, Angela O'Donnell, The Sharons & Darrens, Glen Smith, Leanne Stein, Anna Taylor, Scott Walker, Scott Welsh.

FAST organisations

Barwon Youth Options, Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, CourtHouse Youth Arts Centre, Equinox Productions, Headspin, MEP Smart Movies, Sweet, Work Pix.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[ BACK ]