The Burnside Ballroom will be abuzz on the last Friday night of January as more than 40 creatives, ranging from musicians, photographers and visual artists to hair stylists and makeup artists peddle their wares at RAW Australia’s 'Premiere'.
According to RAW Australia’s Executive Director Kristen Wehlow, their platform played a part in Oz music’s biggest international success story of 2019, so 'Premiere' might just be the place to get a vision of 2020's brightest emerging stars.
What are some of the benefits of being featured during RAW events like this? Have there been any big success stories?
Although we don’t claim to be the one reason behind anyone’s success, we do play a large part in providing a stepping stone for many emerging artists across the country. One recent ‘success story’ is Tones & I who played her first ‘big gig’ with us in Brisbane and is now exploding her amazing talents all across the world!
'Premiere', with its integration of so many creative forms, will be quite unlike most arts events. What can ticket holders expect from the show?
This incredible event is on for one night only and will feature a bold and brilliant pop-up art gallery, captivating live musical performances and a blockbuster runway fashion finale that combines cutting edge designers, makeup artists and hair stylists. This is the first RAW showcase in Adelaide for 2020 and will deliver a creative feast for the soul and one hell of a night out.
What is the selection process for curating the 'Premiere' event?
Our small team curates each showcase across the country based on a wide variety of factors. Essentially we’re looking for emerging creatives across all levels and genres to come together for a one night creative feast!
Fashion, hair and makeup are often not treated with the same respect as art forms like photography, music and the visual arts but workers in those fields are artists, aren’t they?
Definitely! But don’t just take my word for it – come to the show and see the amazing creativity on the runway shows. You’ll be blown away and will definitely walk away with an appreciation of these creatives and their art forms.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the interactive art gallery?
All of our visual artists, photographers and accessories designers will have displays set up around the venue on the night. You’re encouraged to talk to the artists, get up close and personal with their work, touch things, engage! We’re not a white-walled gallery style event (nor do we try to be!).
Can you tell us a bit more about RAW’s philosophy?
We are a small, passionate team, with most of our staff being creatives themselves – from dancers to visual artists and musicians. Some of us have even showcased with RAW, prior to turning our passion in the arts into a career dedicated to creating something of real value for other emerging, likeminded artists. We choose to work with emerging artists because it is an area where there are very limited opportunities for artists. Our organisation was founded by artists who were looking to create showcasing opportunities for emerging artists and today we continue to follow that aim.
