Ben Beeton & Mali Moir Artist Residency Proposal

We are proposing an artist residency project at Mulligans Flat for a duration of four months. Commencing on the 1st of September and concluding on the 31st of December. We do not require a wage from Mulligans Flat, however if we could use a space to work at Mulligans Flat at various times through the project it would be appreciated. We would like to conduct a couple of workshops for paying participants through the duration of the project. If this is possible we would require a space to conduct the workshops. Filming is a critical part of the residency project. The work created through the residency project and the associated films featuring conservationists and scientists working at Mulligans Flat will be displayed on the sciart website as well as in course work https://sciart.com.au/projects/

The artwork created through the residency project will:

Highlight the conservation program at Mulligans Flat. To achieve this goal we will consult with staff at Mulligans Flat.
Explore the deep time connections between species found at Mulligans Flat and other species from around Australia. To achieve this goal we will consult with staff at Mulligans Flat and the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Explore the geological history of Mulligans Flat in connection with the rest of Australia. To achieve this goal we will consult with professor Brad Pillans, chair of the Australian National Rock Garden.

Through this project we will use the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Australian National Rock Garden as resources to broaden our understanding of how the ecology and geology at Mulligans Flat is connected to other locations around Australia.

Key outcomes for Mulligans Flat

Social Media content: regular updates for Facebook and Instagram
Art Workshops: Paid public workshops.
Geology and natural history conveyed through the artwork and related films
Further involvement: The artwork might become the foundations for an interactive mural at the new visitors centre.

What Mulligans Flat can offer

Free space in the Forde Community Centre and the Mulligans Flat Woolshed
Exposure over out social media platforms
Ticket sales through our ticketing system and website for free
Free tours and experiences to promote your understanding of the area
Liaison between yourself and ACT Parks, volunteer groups, etc regarding operation in the sanctuary

Below is an account of each artists background

Ben Beeton – Artist Statement / Bio

Ben Beeton – I have completed over 35 artist residency/projects around Australia and abroad looking at the ecology, geology and deep time history of natural systems and promoting ecotourism. Former residencies include Voyages Resorts Uluru, El Nido Resorts, Alice Springs Desert Park, The Valley of the Giants, Broome Bird Observatory, Naracoorte Caves, Brisbane Eco-Sciences Precinct and many others. I am working in partnership with ANU in the development of a range of science communication tools for teaching and public displays focusing on ecological restoration management and deep time awareness.

My interactive website SciArt has been used in conjunction with National Parks, ecotourism businesses and schools.

The sciart interactive can be access via any touch screen as a way of learning about natural environments through art.

I have presented many public talks where I discuss the different artist residency projects which I have completed. The talk below was given during National Science Week in Melbourne.

Gondwana in Toowoomba, part of the collection of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Artist for the Burke and Wills Environmental Expedition lead by historian Dr Johnathan King. Patrons – Culture Victoria, the Royal Society of Victoria, actor Jack Thompson.

Mali Moir – Artist Statement / Bio

Mali Moir began her career as botanical artist at the National Herbarium of Victoria. By working closely with botanists, she has gained an understanding of the importance of scientific accuracy, the fundamentals of precise measurement and thorough depiction of detail. Exhibiting for over 25 years in Australia and internationally Mali has produced many works for private, public and corporate collections.

Mali has a keen interest for artistic interpretation of natural history themes in the Accurate Realism style. She approaches her work with traditional techniques whilst developing a fresh contemporary look. Mali executes works on paper with the consummate skill of a dedicated artist as she combines her fascination for science and nature with an active desire to render works of art with beauty, character and scientific integrity.