'Frames of Reference' is a series of conversations considering ideas of identity and governance, bureaucracy and power, creativity in light of regulation, the role of text to other arts, and collaborative relationships. It's a project about how creative work grows from initial ideas and personal practices, into collectives, groups, and projects larger than were originally imagined.

As part of the 'Fair Isle' exhibition at DADAA in Fremantle, Semaphore editors Kelly Fliedner and Melissa McGrath will meet with and gather information from industry leaders, peers and community members regarding processes for supporting arts practice in WA. We will record these exchanges and publish our reflections to share the process of thinking through making and document local histories and knowledge.

You can learn more about Frames of Reference here: https://semaphoreart.net/Frames-of-Reference-1

This recording is the 'Frames of Reference' introductory conversation, which took place in Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park) between Kelly and Melissa. This is the first of many conversations we will host and record over the coming months. It aims to give some context to our thinking and hopes for how we consult with our community to solidify and define Semaphore’s movement into the future.

These conversations happen for us alongside the everyday. So, likewise, we encourage you to listen to this as you clean the dishes, wait for the bus or walk your dog—listen as you go about your day.

You can read the transcript here: https://semaphoreart.net/Introduction

Frames of Reference — Introduction

Semaphore is a weekly newsletter and publication. 

We publish individual and collective opinions, reviews, commentary and creative responses to art from Western Australia. We are interested in writing that reflects upon artistic practice, broader cultural themes and issues, and also examines the formal structures and mode of writing itself — what writing can be, and what it can offer visual art. We want to create a space where people can experiment with discursive responses ranging from contemporary and art historical analysis, to fictocriticism, poetry and prose.

We are interested in writing that creates conversation. How do we engage with art critically and creatively, avoid didacticism, grapple with ideas and uncertainty, and speak through dynamic subjectivities? How can we do this through conversation? How do we commune with each other? What is conversation as opposed to discourse, as opposed to speech-acts, as opposed to monologue, as opposed to dialogue, as opposed to narrative, as opposed to poetry?

Go to: https://semaphoreart.net/