b: ATELIER

b: ATELIER is located in the small regional town of Batlow near the southern Australian Alps. Batlow was severely impacted by the Black Summer Fires of 2020 & this ARI is one artist’s response to help her disaster affected town recover and renew itself in new and creative ways.

Artist Robyn Veneer Sweeney is committed to encouraging locals and tourists to visit and support the output of the local arts community, through showing curated contemporary artworks and facilitating locals to engage with the arts through workshops both in-studio and through outreach.

b: ATELIER running costs and improvements have been entirely funded by one artist with small donations of equipment by the local arts community. At this time, it is intended to stay an unincorporated NFP. The building has been made available rent free by the owner and patron, Potso.

Some works are for sale but sales are not the core intention of the exhibitions. b: ATELIER charges small commissions for sales, the proceeds of which will go to cover running costs and improvements.

In due course over 2021, it is hoped that b: ATELIER will be able to welcome outside artists for small residencies that will include access to working space and facilities (modest in their nature), facilitating a community workshop or two and, opportunity to exhibit their work in the two small gallery spaces that are welcoming and slightly domestic in nature. It is hoped that b: ATELIER will have the opportunity to engage with other ARIs, nationally and internationally to share ideas and creative output.

The building has 4 meter high ceilings and was originally built to house one of Australia’s early banks.

b: ATELIER sits on Wiradjuri Land. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognize their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.