Satellite is a visual art-making studio established in 2012 to work with artists who are emerging in their practice and in the process of formalising a specific aesthetic.  The artists invited to participate have worked extensively on both collaborative and independent arts projects, including previous work with the Art Day South studio (Arts Access Victoria AAV) based in Dingley, Victoria. The Satellite artists work closely with professional artists Rhian Hinkley and Robert Delves in a one-on-one capacity, enabling each Satellite artist to further develop their visual arts practice.  The Satellite studio meets every Thursday at the Monash Gallery of Art, a contemporary gallery space specialising in modern and contemporary Australian art and international photography.

Satellite was established in 2012 and was formed to offer artists who want to further explore their art practice beyond their larger group programs such as AAV’s Art Day South studio program. Satellite can be compared to a masterclass where the attending artists are given one on one attention and mentoring in the development of their work. The mentoring process not only nurtures the creative development, but also facilitates professional development opportunities and recognition as artists in the art world. The AAV team in conjunction with the lead artists at Satellite facilitate the presentation and promotion of exhibitions, therefore creating a true and real pathway for artists with a disability to gain recognition for their work and development

We have no limitations on age and range of disability. We have artists aged from 20 to 55 currently working in the studio.

At present four artists attend Satellite.

Artists from existing AAV programs and other arts studios are invited to meet with the lead artists and discuss their portfolio where applicable. Artists are welcome to participate for a trial period and ascertain whether the studio is right for them.

The studio is currently funded by AAV and works in partnership with the Monash Gallery of Art.

We employ arts workers who are current practicing artists as we believe that workers who are engaged in the process of creating work have greater access to the wider artistic community and a real focus on producing work of the highest quality.

Within less than a year of being established, work developed by Satellite artists will be exhibited at the highly regarded Lamington Drive Gallery, Collingwood, established by the Jacky Winter Group. Simultaneously a new art magazine will be unveiled focussing on the works of the Satellite artists.

1. Funding

Funding is one of the most significant challenges for us and probably for most art studios, we are committed to excellence and quality and are constantly working hard to get the most for every dollar. We are looking at all possible avenues for new funding for the program, from sponsorship and philanthropic funds to the major state and federal funders.

2. Transport issues and timetabling

We would like to expand our numbers and this has proved quite challenging due to transport issues and timetabling. We have not developed a strategy to address this challenge at this stage.

3. Regular exhibition space

We do have a beautiful new exhibition and workspace called Nebula. Nebula is a transportable art space. This unique venue provides us with an exhibition space that is accessible to the artists and public, and because it travels a much greater audience can see our work. 

We are constantly looking for new opportunities for our artists. Through AAV we are in the process of organising a mentorship for one of our Satellite artists to learn the art of DJ-ing. The Satellite studio as well as all AAV programs believes strongly in collaboration as a learning tool and welcomes opportunities to work with established artists and/or organisations.

Satellite is a step in the pathway to artistic independence. We aim to see some of our artists making a career from their artistic practice and being able to produce work on a full time basis. We are promoting our artists locally, interstate and internationally to achieve this.