HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, has introduced a new program called ArtKeeper in a commitment to keep artists employed as the global pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the arts.

ArtKeeper is the latest iteration in HOTA’s Creative Development Program launched in 2019, which saw 12 local artists funded. In 2020, in response to COVID-19, HOTA adapted the program to support 51 quick-response digital projects through its Rage against the V(irus) program.

To date, the Creative Development Program has supported 63 projects involving 120 local artists to the tune of $230,000, as well as in-kind support.

Thomas E. S. Kelly

Gold Coast artist Thomas E. S. Kelly performing at WONDER, Return to Earth at HOTA, 2020. Photo © Scott Belzner

ArtKeeper will see HOTA offer three fixed-term contracts for emerging or established artists to work onsite across a range of spaces, including the recently launched $60.5 million HOTA Gallery, depending on their artistic practice and requirements. The successful candidates will be put on the payroll for three days a week from October 2021 to February 2022.

Announcing the initiative, HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke said, “ArtKeeper is a simple commitment....