SHARON LOUDEN | MEDIA RELEASE 5 Apr 2017

Carriageworks presents an ‘In Conversation’ 6pm Wednesday 19 April between US-based artist and educator Sharon Louden speaking with the Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of Hyperallergic Hrag Vartanian who will explore the topic of ‘how to sustain a creative life’. The event coincides with the Australian launch of a new book by Louden, The Artist as Culture Producer: Living and Sustaining a Creative Life.

Sharon Louden is the editor of the Living and Sustaining a Creative Life trilogy, with the first book published in 2013, followed by The Artist as Culture Producer in 2017, and the final edition scheduled to be released in 2020. The trilogy looks at the concept of how to incorporate creativity into life, with The Artist as Culture Producer: Living and Sustaining a Creative Life assembling a collection of essays by 40 visual artists describing how they extend their practices outside of their studios.

Sharon Louden commented: “All of these contributors have impactful, artistic activities as change agents in their communities. Their first-hand stories show the general public how contemporary artists of the 21st century add to creative economies through their out-of-the-box thinking while also generously contributing to the well-being of others. Although there is a misconception that artists are invisible and hidden, the truth is that they furnish measurable and innovative outcomes at the front lines of education, the non-profit sector, and corporate environments.”

Hrag Vartanian will speak of his own experience of leading a creative life with his writing, curating, teaching, photography and with his publication Hyperallergic, created in 2009 in response to the changes in the art world. He will also share his views of artists who are sustaining their creative lives in the world. Hyperallergic now reaches over 1 million readers a month with breaking news, award-winning reporting, informed opinions, and quality conversations about art. Hrag also launched the Hyperallergic Podcast in 2016 which travels around the globe to uncover the evolving world of art and has curated projects, exhibitions, and has organized public events since 1997.

The In Conversation will be presented free at Carriageworks as part of the Australian book launch of The Artist as Culture Producer: Living and Sustaining a Creative Life on Wednesday 19 April, 6pm.