Muse, an exhibition of artworks inspired by the Dunedin Public Libraries Collection. 

Posted: Wednesday Dec 20, 2017

Hidden amongst the Dunedin Public Libraries collection is a large group of artists. To celebrate the Creative Cities Southern Hui, Dunedin’s talented library staff are showcasing their creativity with an exhibition of artworks placed throughout the City Library.

Melanie Kidd, Creative Cities Southern Hui Coordinator, caught up with Jill Bowie the curator of the exhibition to find out more.

The exhibition covers all floors of the Dunedin City Library, featuring over 20 original art works, including costumes, music, poetry, photography, collage and sculpture.

The Creative Cities Southern Hui provided an opportunity for Dunedin creatives to step forward and showcase their individual talent and collective love for their city. After a conversation between Jill and Nicky Page, the Director of Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature, the idea for the exhibition was born. It would celebrate the library’s extensive and inspiring collection, as well as mark the city’s enthusiasm for the up-and-coming Hui.

Inspired by a similar exhibition at Otago Museum called Current, which invited artists to choose a piece from the collection to use as inspiration, Jill sent an invitation to all staff asking for their artistic contribution to the exhibition.

‘I thought that idea was brilliant and it seemed like the perfect way to link the creativity of our staff to the library collections.’

Jill received an incredibly enthusiastic response, leading to a first meeting in September with over 20 artists. Each artist would have just two months to procrastinate, create and install their artworks in the roomy stairwells and ample wall space of the library.

The title of the exhibition, Muse, came from the images of the nine muses of Greek mythology, and seemed like a fitting title. The artists had a completely open brief to explore their own musings of the library’s collection, allowing a broad spectrum of artworks to emerge. 

‘I have loved every minute of this exhibition – especially finding out how incredibly creative and talented my workmates are. It has been a fascinating insight into the brains of my colleagues – some brains are stranger than others.'

Jill is very proud of the exhibition and everyone involved. The best thing about the exhibition is that it isn’t static; new elements keep emerging, pieces morph, transform and evolve, as the creative minds keep creating. This is exactly the reason why people should come back for a second, or third, look!

‘I guess my favourite part of the exhibition has been a little competition between myself and Wendy Clyne who created the fairies on the ground floor. It has been an absolute joy to hide new creatures and see how long it takes the other person to notice.’

A woman of many creative hats, Jill also showed huge support for the Creative Cities Southern Hui by voluntarily offering her time and wonderful smile at events.

‘One of my favourite parts of the Creative Cities Southern Hui was the Merely Players: Creative Cabaret. It was such a fun event and the acts were so quirky and fantastic.’

Muse, an exhibition of artworks inspired by the Dunedin Public Libraries collection, runs until 31st January 2018. Pick up a self-directed tour guide from the entrance to Dunedin City Library.

The Creative Cities Southern Hui was for all creative minds – an opportunity to foster creative connections through all arts forms, disciplines and interests. You are receiving this email as part of your registration for the Creative Cities Southern Hui. If you would like to listen again to the inspiring Creative Connections guest speakers, podcasts are available from Otago Access Radio and the series airs on Thursdays at 11am and Sundays at noon on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM.