GO WEST - CQ Shopfront Artisan In Residence North Burnett Project Exhibition Launch

Go West is an exhibition of works by fashion designer Kiara Bulley and local creatives Helen Webb, Bronwyn Chu and Seinileva Huakau. Images of these works were captured by photographer Deelan Do and modelled by Maggie Luu. 

In early 2020, fashion designer Kiara Bulley (Bulley Bulley) was invited to the North Burnett region as part of a series of residency programs happening across Central Queensland, organised and supported by The Ideas Distillery in Bundaberg for the CQ Shopfront Project. Coming to fruition in 2021, this residency saw Kiara travel widely across the region, connecting with regional creatives through workshops. Kiara mentored local artists and designers in a shared project that drew inspiration from the region. 

Inspired by the rolling pasture lands of the region, Kiara developed a small collection of garments that pay homage to life on the horse’s back. Through the lens of her fashion brand, Bulley Bulley, a vision of country-style is reimagined as romantic, nostalgic and incongruously disco-glam against the landscape of the North Burnett region. 

Helen Webb (Forever Country) makes hand crafted linen garments and tooled leather accessories. Helen’s designs are effortlessly chic and contemporary, and present a relaxed, modern take on classic country-style. 

Bronwyn Chu looked directly to the land for inspiration. Working with natural dying processes that utilised local flora and minerals, Bronwyn created garments using zero-waste cutting techniques. 

Multidisciplinary artist Seinileva Huakau, was inspired by the pageantry of local camp drafting and horse show events. Utilising her skills in wearable textiles and weaving, Seini created large floral garlands to be worn concurrently by horse and rider. 

Join us for the launch night for a complimentary drink and nibbles and mingle with the artists. 

The exhibition will continue until Friday 20th August.

PLEASE NOTE THAT COVID19 SAFETY PLANS MUST BE ABIDED BY ONSITE IN ALIGNMENT WITH QUEENSLAND HEALTH DIRECTIVES. At the time of publishing this event, this includes abiding by social distancing, hand sanitisation, wearing a mask indoors and where you cannot safely social distance, and site check in and check out procedures.

Please do not attend if:

• you are unwell and exhibiting the signs of illness including cough fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath
• you have been in close contact with a personwho is positive for COVID19 or have tested positive for COVID19
• you have been tested for COVID19 and are awaiting results
• you are isolating having been recently in a COVID19 Hotspot
• you have travelled overseas or from a designated Hotspot within the previous 14 days

The CQ Shopfront Project has been designed and produced by The Ideas Distillery. 

This project has been funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and CQ RASN.  The Regional Arts Services Network is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. CQ University has been appointed as the Central Queensland Provider.  Funding has also been received through the Regional Arts Fund, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between North Burnett Regional Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Thank you also to the RM Williams Bush Learning Centre, Practice Studio, Bonnie Doona Organic Beef Farm, Gayndah Art Gallery and The Rex Monto.