Spiderbait's Janet English To Open New 'Devoted To You' Exhibition
The 'Devoted To You' exhibition opens next month thanks to Arts Project Australia – a world-renowned studio and gallery that represents and supports artists with intellectual disabilities.
Janet English Sitting For A Portrait (Credit: Supplied)
Spiderbait’s Janet English will be on hand to open the new Devoted To You exhibition, which arrives in February thanks to Arts Project Australia.
Devoted To You opens the 2025 program from the APA – a world-renowned studio and gallery that represents and supports artists with intellectual disabilities – serving as a group exhibition celebrating music icons who have captured the imaginations of 27 studio artists.
As a press release explains, music serves as contagious inspiration at the APA Northcote Studio, with Devoted To You delving deep into the passionate world of music fandom.
The exhibition pays tribute to iconic musicians from around the world, ranging from homegrown icons such as Kylie Minogue, AC/DC, and INXS, to international stars like David Bowie, Taylor Swift, Iggy Pop, Tina Turner, and much more.
Co-curated by APA artist James Dawes in his curatorial debut alongside Parsnip drummer Carolyn Hawkins, and local musician and arts worker Danielle Hakim, the upcoming exhibition looks to show how much music resonates with the APA artists.
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“I like making art about music because I enjoy it – it’s my favourite subject,” says Dawes. “I like the sound of music, it makes me feel good inside.”
“It brings together my two worlds of music and art,” echoes Hawkins. “Arts Project Australia has always championed creativity in all its forms and this exhibition is a joyous celebration of not only fandom, but also the relationship between the visual and the sonic.”
Devoted To You officially opens on February 1st at the APA Collingwood Gallery, with longtime support English on hand to help open proceedings.
In 2024, English was invited to be the subject of a portrait sitting at the APA Northcote Studio. The resulting artwork, from APA artist William Murray, serves as one of more than 120 works featured in the exhibition.
“Arts Project Australia is such a joyous place,” says English. “It empowers people with disability to find expression and reach their creative goals. I love watching the interpretations everyone brings to their work.”
Alongside the exhibition, the FAN FACTOR workshop is also running on February 8th, with a curator talk and drawing party with Dawes to "draw music divas or favourite album covers with coloured pencils to the tunes of a specially curated playlist".
Devoted To You will run from February 1st until March 8th, with full details available via their website.
This piece of content has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body
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