GASP! is a dynamic, inspirational and internationally resonant open space providing unique encounters with art and creating memorable experiences for all in the natural environment.
Art
Curatorial development – Juliana Engberg, 2010-2011
GASP – ARTISTIC VISION
GASP will be a place of discovery and reverie, fuelled by the imagination of artists feeding the curiosity of people. Stories will be told and memories will be made in this unexpected and ever changing environment. Art will respond to land and sea. Art will come and go like the tides. Art will match the tempo of the day and night. Art will enhance and embrace the place of people. This gentle approach to public art will never overwhelm or interfere with the natural things already cherished by those who know and love this place, but it will create new memories and different ways of seeing and sensing. People will GASP!
THE LOCATION
Situated on the Derwent estuary system, at Elwick Bay, GASP responds to the lapping tides. The tidal waters produce an ever changing environment of mud flats and inundations. Bird and marine life come and go. The little blue boat ‘Robert’s Boat’ moored, just beyond shore, bobs on the surface. GASP is already filled with atmosphere and natural incidents.
(Words by Juliana Engberg, Artistic Director, Australian Centre of Contemporary Art, March, 2011)
Details of the art program are now in development. Stay tuned for exciting news!
Park
We are working alongside grass roots, policy maker and advocacy organisations for full environmental regeneration and renewal at GASP.
We are imagining a future where there is clean swimmable water and extended wetland areas to encourage diversity and habitat for the varied bird life and ecology of the bay.
Stage 1 environmental renewal at The Grove site between Little John and Barossa Rivulets (taking in Humphrey’s) is being assisted by the the Glenorchy City Council, Derwent Estuary Program, Southern Coastcare Association of Tasmania and the Understorey Network.
We need your help! Please contact the GASP executive to contribute in a hands-on way to the renewal and ongoing sustainability of the environment: gasp@gcc.tas.gov.au
People
Stage 3 of the GASP project involves the further development of Montrose Bay as a vibrant hub of community activity. Consultation with existing stakeholders and visioning for the site has commenced with discussions about the potential of a Social Enterprise.
A Social Enterprise (SE) at Montrose Bay Foreshore Community Park would be a profitable business that facilitates and encourages a range of community development activities and skills generally building engagement at Elwick Bay. The intention is that the SE will respond to existing needs and build vibrancy and increase participation. The identities of each of the current users including the Montrose Bay High School, Glenorchy Rowing Club, Montrose Bay Yacht Club and Hobart Outrigger Canoe Club would be retained and possibly strengthened.
A Social Enterprise may include food and beverage services, workshops for art making and boat building, meeting and shared spaces for club activities.
For further information about the development of concepts or to share your ideas please contact the Executive on gasp@gcc.tas.gov.au or 03 6216 6373.
“Pedestrian links between important destinations are often broken and walking is frequently a disjointed, disorientating experience. It is important to first identify these gaps in spatial continuity and then to fill them with a framework of buildings and inter-connected open space opportunities that will generate new investment.” Roger Trankick, Trankick, Roger, 1986, Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design, John Wiley & Sons, Canada, pp. 2