Emerge

The fact that these artists, who have no gallery representation and sidelined, are inspired by their struggles and challenges to create beautiful artwork is an inspiration to me to document this. I have always been inspired and fascinated by stories, and especially those who are successful, of a person who finds their strength and willpower within themselves and creates a growth into the person they are supposed to be. Another interesting fact to me is that Not Fair is the ‘underdog’ compared to Melbourne Art fair and for that reason a need for a platform for unconventional art forms and artists.

The documentary will make an impact for emerging artist and artist with mental health challenges and/or with disabilities with hopes to inspire them and inform them of an alternative outlet to the more conservatives approach of the art. An importance to be seen by young and emerging artist, to build their self confidence, in this case work with people like Not Fair who believe in them and offering a platform to shine.

Major Film Festival submission and screening in Art Festivals, and mental health theme festival in Australia such as:
– Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (Melbourne)
– MHFA | Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival 2024 (Melbourne)
– Canberra International Mental Health Film Festival (Canberra)
– Melbourne International Film Festival and Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (Melbourne)
– International Multicultural Film Festival (Melbourne, Sydney, Perth)
– Global Film festivals (via Film Freeway) focusing on Toronto, New York, Venice, Sundance, Netherlands, Nice, Berlin etc)
– Gallery Screenings and Art schools with support from Not Fair Art

The plan is to screen the documentary at cinema “De Koepel” in Haarlem in The Netherlands (Europe) in July 2025.

I have met Anne Runhardt (Chair of Not Fair) in 2019 and got very interested in the concept of Not Fair as well as the independent artists they were working with for their 2020 Exhibition, which was moved to 2021 (in-between two lockdowns). I have contributed in the event organization of this event and was able to connect/build a relationship with some of the artists. In September 2022 I have expressed to Anne that I am very interested to work with a few artists for a documentary. In Dec 2022 I have created a ‘Test’ production at their exhibition Glossolalia, where I interviewed artists, filmed location and the sets of a gallery. The trailer that supports this application is filmed at the Glossolalia event. In 2023 I have met the 40 participants from the ‘Alchemy” exhibition and got to know most of them better. With my conversations with them, the process of their projects, the impact of pandemic and their mental health state in this, and eventually to invite them for participation in the documentary. I have full access to their works and personal relationship for this documentary. The combination with Not Fair, the underdog compared to Melbourne Art Fair, appeared to be an ideal combo.

As 1 topic in this Documentary is Mental Health, there are a few things I planned to do;
– Make a reference in the docu to Beyond Blue and Mental Health Australia
– A goodie bag with a gift/reference to Mental Health institution
– An invitation to the next Opening Night Exhibition of Not Fair
Currently looking into more options to engage with Mental Health Institutions for event