The Alternative Archive and Open Borders exhibition opening night at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery

A dual exhibition will set the gallery stage on Friday, inspired by 200 regional West Australian artists and the State’s feelings towards “containment” during COVID-19. The Geraldton Regional Art Gallery will host a display of regional artwork for the Open Borders and The Alternative Archive, with the opening night on Friday, July 8. Open Borders is a combination of Mid West artists from The Creative Grid regional art network, which focuses on the unique experience of “containment” in Western Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine artists and groups from the region reflect on border closures and the impact on the WA community. The exhibition challenges contemporary artists to cross boundaries and showcases how the restrictions relate to one another. The Alternative Archive is a three-year project involving 13 regional art galleries from Albany to Kununurra, 35 curators and 200 artists. First shown at John Curtin Gallery in 2021, this type of exhibition has not been seen in 20 years. Exposing regional art practises and theories, the exhibition shares the stories, memories, and experiences of artists across the region. The artists draw from personal relationships with the people, places and stories around them. Art on the Move director Theo Costantino said the exhibition demonstrated the strength and versatility of regional arts. “The Alternative Archive is a powerful example of what reciprocal regional creative networks can produce, as well as the diversity, depth and quality of art throughout the State,” he said. The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday, July 9 until September 4, secure a spot for Friday’s opening night on Eventbrite.