News Archive

The UWA campus in winter is too cold, too quiet and too empty. It was this common complaint that led UWA Cultural Precinct Director Ted Snell to organise the first WINTERarts events back in 2009.

“We wanted to celebrate the arts in WA and give people a reason to come onto our campus during the winter break. In the beginning we weren’t sure if anyone would even show up, but the response has been outstanding, with many shows selling out almost as soon as they’re announced,” Ted says.

With nearly 50 events including exhibitions, workshops and more, this year’s WINTERarts is already the biggest yet. And this year, Ted wans to give UWA staff a special advantage

“From the very beginning, UWA employees from many different faculties have been hugely supportive of WINTERarts. It’s thanks to their support and expertise that we are able to put on so many great events,” Ted says.

“This year we wanted to repay that support by giving UWA staff first pick of events, including some of our most popular. At this point we haven’t done any advertising or sent out any programs – if you visit the WINTERarts website you’ll be able to book before almost anyone else.”

To commemorate the centenary of Gallipoli, WINTERarts 2015 has been extended to incorporate a series of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and activities scheduled throughout August to conincide with significant events in the campaign. This includes everything from a exhibition on the geology of war, to a presentation of Benjamin Britten’s rarely performed War Requiem, featuring a 100-piece orchestra, more than 125 adult voices and a children’s choir.

In some more good news, Ted Snell has been appointed to the Advisory Council of the Australian Research Council (ARC).

The ARC is a Commonwealth entity and advises the Federal Government on research matters, manages the National Competitive Grants Program, and has responsibility for Excellence in Research for Australia. The Advisory Council supports the ARC CEO in his responsibilities, which includes managing around $887 million in grants funding.

Ted sees his appointment as a chance to increase cooperation between the arts and other disciplines. “I’m very excited about the invitation and hope to be able to advocate for interdisciplinary collaborations that include the arts and to promote galleries, museums and performance venues as participating partners in showcasing research,” he said.

https://www.culturalprecinct.uwa.edu.au/winterarts