Local Art Research Articles

"The sort of design sophistication we were all in need of," Ernst Plischke’s design for Paul’s Book Arcade (1949), Hamilton

In 1949 a remarkable interior design for a Hamilton bookshop by Ernst Plischke was, according to the client, "the sort of design sophistication we were all in need of." Paul's Book Arcade played a pivotal role in Hamilton social circles in the 1940s, with the owner David Blackwood Paul (aka Blackwood) and his wife Janet Wilkinson, forming their own "centre of human enlightenment." The Blackwood group of friends included painter Margot Phillips, who like Plischke, was a European refugee, painter, critic, and a writer for The Listener, Geoff Fairburn and his wife Jean (also an artist), as well as writer Alexander Gaskell Pickard. Paul's Book Arcade was established in Hamilton in 1901 by Blackwood's father William Henry Paul. In 1933, Blackwood took over the management of the bookshop, reportedly as the result of a disagreement with his father, who by then was a powerful community leader. Paul's local services were a more pressing concern, and so Blackwood inherited what was a "modest emporium" with the atmosphere of a general store. Blackwood would later transform Paul's Book Arcade to such an extent that in 1949 the visiting English publisher Sir Stanley Unwin numbered the bookshop among the fourteen best in the world, and one of the two best in New Zealand. So successful was the bookshop that in 1955 a further two stores were opened, each in Auckland. The first was located on Shortland Street, and the second on High Street, also designed by Plischke. The Blackwood social circle would have a lasting and far‐reaching influence on the mid‐century architecture of Hamilton. Connections with local artists and groups such as the Waikato Society of Arts, allowed a seamless flow of European‐inspired modernist ideals to inform Hamilton's new architecture, interior design, and cultural landscape. The first built manifestation of this movement was the 1949 interior design for Paul's Book Arcade by Austrian architect Ernst Plischke. This presentation will look at the relation between Blackwood and Plischke, the architect's design for the Book Arcade, and how the Blackwood's informed design sensibilities would influence Hamilton's modernist landscape for years afterwards.

Integrating evidence from lived experience of Aboriginal people and clinical practice guidelines to develop arthritis educational resources: a mixed-methods study.

Globally, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout (arthritis conditions) result in considerable pain and suffering and disproportionately affect First Nations Peoples, who are more likely than non-First Nations Peoples to have an arthritis condition and to experience a higher burden of disease. Access to culturally appropriate health information supports the health and wellbeing of First Nations Peoples. The aim of this study was to identify evidence-based, culturally appropriate recommendations to inform the development of arthritis educational resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (First Nations Peoples in Australia). This mixed-methods study using community-based participatory action research had three phases: interviews (research yarns) with Aboriginal people to explore their informational needs and preferences for arthritis educational resources; systematic reviews and synthesis of education recommendations from high-quality arthritis clinical practice guidelines; and integration and interpretation of datasets from the first two phases. Details of the three systematic reviews have been published previously. We only included clinical practice guidelines that met our inclusion criterion of high quality, assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Between Dec 24, 2020, and Nov 2, 2022, 30 Aboriginal people participated in research yarns. 21 (70%) participants were female and nine (30%) were male, with median age 60 years (range 22-75). All participants identified as Aboriginal and no participants identified as Torres Strait Islander. Research yarn data was combined with education recommendations from 18 clinical practice guidelines. Synthesis of the two datasets generated the following recommendations for inclusion in educational resources: the impact of arthritis on health and wellbeing, when and how to access care, management options (eg, benefits and risks), and disease knowledge (eg, prognosis and addressing misconceptions). In addition, educational resources should be jargon-free and include positive lived experience stories, flags, and colourful local art. Educational resources should be created by Aboriginal people and delivered by health professionals, family, or Aboriginal Community members in the form of brochures, videos, or yarning circles. The recommendations from this study will inform the development of arthritis educational resources for Aboriginal Peoples. The findings can also support health professionals to deliver evidenced-based arthritis care to Aboriginal Peoples. Internationally, a community-based participatory action research approach can be applied to develop educational resources for First Nations Peoples and communities. Australian Commonwealth Government through Arthritis Australia.

An engineering approach to support user-led innovation in improving the performance of artisanal irrigation pivots in the Algerian Sahara

Large-scale center pivots have been imported into Algeria since the 1980s to promote cereal production in the Sahara, but these pivots did not match either user needs or smallholder farming systems. In response, local artisans designed a smaller, cheaper, more robust center pivot in an incremental open innovation process that lasted 10 years. Currently, around 35 % of the Algerian potato production is irrigated by around 40,000 artisanal center pivots, each irrigating 1 ha. The aim of the study was to design and test an engineering approach to support local innovation actors in improving the performance of the artisanal irrigation pivot. Field observations and interviews were conducted with 24 users and 10 leading artisans to analyze the innovation process and judge which improvements would be acceptable. Experiments were then conducted in situ and in the national irrigation laboratory to analyze irrigation performance and test practical adjustments to improve it. Results showed that the distribution uniformity of pivots, less than 50 %, can be improved by adjusting the position of sprinklers along the pivot laterals and fine-tuning the nozzle aperture. This study opens new perspectives for engineering approaches to support user-led innovation.

Chained to the Gallery: 1970s Protest, Nationalism, and Anti-Racism at the Art Gallery of Ontario

This article details research into an archival fonds at the Art Gallery of Ontario (ago) chronicling protests that took place at the institution in the 1970s. The archive, assembled by the institution’s registrar, was either lost or stolen in the late 1970s and then re-collected. The re-assembled archive captures two major actions in 1972 and 1974 that coalesced around artist-activist fear of the cultural imperialism of the United States and anger at the ago’s unwillingness to support local artists. The narrative of cultural nationalism that underlies the two actions is challenged by four decontextualized photographs of an anti-racist picket at the gallery in 1974, found in the same archive but for which no further information was discovered. The article introduces the term “settling activism” to describe a phenomenon wherein radical actions that appear to challenge the status quo might ultimately contribute to its continuance. Using the four photographs to unsettle both the original protests and the author’s own positionality as a beneficiary of past activism, the article illuminates the complex interplay between activism, institutional response, and historical memory and suggests that anti-racist action and intervention have a much longer history in the world of Canadian museums than has been remembered.

Development on Master Plan for Community Learning Centers in Public Area

Development on Master Plan for Community Learning Centers in Public Area

Event-Based Optimization of Tourism at Pasir Padi Beach, Pangkalpinang City

Pasir Padi Beach, located in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Belitung Island Province, has become a major tourist destination by hosting various events that attract local and foreign tourists. This study aims to optimize event-based beach tourism at Pasir Padi Beach by analyzing social, economic, infrastructural, and cultural impacts. Data were gathered through interviews with the Pangkalpinang City Tourism Office, observations, and secondary sources. The findings indicate high community participation, enhanced social cohesion, and significant economic benefits for local MSMEs, with income increases of 60-80% during events. However, challenges such as inadequate community readiness, lack of market research, and suboptimal stakeholder synergy were identified. To address these challenges, a comprehensive strategy is proposed, including improving infrastructure, diversifying events, and integrating local cultural elements to balance tourism development and cultural preservation. Government support, combined with local community empowerment and strong stakeholder collaboration, is essential. Effective marketing strategies, utilizing social media and influencers, and the implementation of sustainable tourism practices are recommended to maximize economic benefits while preserving environmental and cultural integrity. In conclusion, with strategic improvements in infrastructure, event management, and stakeholder involvement, Pasir Padi Beach can become a model for sustainable event-based beach tourism, promoting economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural preservation. The study’s limitation is the reliance on a single informant from the Tourism Office, which may limit perspective diversity. Future research should involve a wider range of stakeholders, including MSMEs, youth groups, local artists, and private sector representatives, to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Exploring the Ecotourism Potential of Tapalinna and Bujung Manurung Villages

The village ecotourism planning in Tapalinna and Bujung Manurung Villages, Mambi Sub-district, Mamasa District, West Sulawesi Province was conducted to identify natural and cultural resources, as well as assess community readiness for managing these resources. The methods used included observation, the distribution of questionnaires to 30 respondents from the community, visitors, and managers, as well as the design of tourism programs and promotional media. The findings reveal that Tapalinna and Bujung Manurung Villages possess various cultural tourism potentials, including the Mambi language, religious systems, kinship systems, and local arts. Additionally, the villages have diverse natural tourism resources, such as flora and fauna. The community and managers showed positive perceptions and readiness toward the ecotourism planning, with a high level of preparedness. The designed tourism programs include daily, overnight, and annual tours, supported by promotional media in the form of posters themed "One Taste of Harmonization." This initiative is expected to encourage community participation and enhance the sustainable attractiveness of the region.

Straw Craftsmanship from Port of Sauípe-BA: Possibility of Become a Geographic Indication

Objective: Present the potential of the Geographical Indication for straw handicrafts from Porto de Sauípe – Bahia based on the Methodology for Identifying Potential Brazilian Geographical Indications, developed by the Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). Theoretical Framework: The article shows some reports that provide information about the history and context of straw crafts in Porto de Sauípe, including local traditions and the role of artisans in the production of the products. Method: The research has a qualitative approach with data collection through bibliographic survey and interviews with local artisans. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the Porto de Sauípe region has factors that provide a quality product (handicrafts) with unique characteristics. The handicrafts have market potential, notoriety and great socioeconomic importance for local artisans. One of the main restrictions for the Geographical Indication is related to the criteria that require more attention, such as governance, research involved and vision of the future. Research Implications: The research makes it possible to analyze the potential of Geographical Indications in other regions that have potential for manufacturing products with notoriety and requirements for registration. Originality/Value: The study provides support to academics and artisans in Brazil, demonstrating the importance of the piassava production chain for maintaining crafts and generating local employment and income.

Strengthening Tourism Products Through Storytelling Exploration in Kemiriombo, Gerbosari Village, Samigaluh District, Kulonprogo Regency

Kemiriombo, a hamlet in Gerbosari Village, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, is known for its diversity of spices (empon-empon) cultivated and processed by the local community. This area has significant potential for developing tourism based on local culture and traditions, but the tourism narrative has not been optimally managed. This study aims to explore the potential of storytelling as a strategy for developing tourist destinations in Kemiriombo. The methods used include observation, interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), surveys, and community participation to understand the needs and expectations of the local community. The study found that Kemiriombo has tourism potential such as the processing of empon-empon at Rumah Jamu Menoreh, local cultural arts such as Jathilan, Gejog Lesung, and Karawitan, as well as culinary traditions like Sega Brongsong and Legondo. The 5W1H technique (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) was applied in the storytelling analysis to produce engaging narratives that can promote local cultural identity. Storytelling plays a crucial role in introducing local products and traditions, enhancing tourist attraction, and preserving community culture. Through the development of strong narratives, Kemiriombo is expected to become a tourist destination that offers not only visual experiences but also emotional and social dimensions for visitors. The integration of local traditions and storytelling innovation is expected to positively impact the welfare of the local community.

Practical Research on Integrating Folk Art into Public Art Education Courses

This study focuses on the feasibility and practical strategies for integrating folk art into public art education courses. By exploring the cultural heritage and educational value of folk art, it analyzes the current shortcomings in public art education and underscores the necessity of incorporating folk art into the curriculum. The study designs suitable content and methods, including traditional art optimization and diverse resource applications, to strengthen students' cultural identity and aesthetic development. Additionally, case studies demonstrate the tangible effects of integrating folk art into public art education, with results indicating a significant improvement in students’ understanding and appreciation of local art. This research provides new insights for future public art course designs and proposes expanding folk art education with technological support.

Alternative micro-regeneration strategies for urban villages in China? Social entrepreneurship-based artistic intervention in Aohu Village in Shenzhen

Recent shifts in China’s urban village regeneration strategies have transitioned from comprehensive, large-scale redevelopment to nuanced, incremental micro-regenerations, incorporating artistic interventions as a dynamic mechanism for fostering urban governance innovation. This paper examines the transformative impact of social entrepreneurship based artistic intervention within the micro-regeneration of urban villages, particularly through a case study of Aohu Village in Shenzhen. It highlights how a local artist and villager catalyzed the village’s bottom-up regeneration by mobilizing his social networks to attract artists and organize art events, significantly boosting Aohu Art Village’s profile and contributing to social innovation. This approach not only drew attention from local government but also demonstrated the potent influence of artistic intervention on neighborhood regeneration and local governance. Unlike conventional, top-down planned art villages, Aohu retains its original community fabric through community-led regeneration while also addressing challenges such as rising rents and potential displacement of artists. The case study of Aohu Art Village illustrates the critical role of social entrepreneurship in urban village regeneration, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced understanding of artistic intervention, community engagement, and sustainable urban regeneration in China’s evolving urban landscape.

Pengembangan Aset Wisata Edukasi Kebudayaan Flashcards Berbasis Augmented Reality untuk Pembelajaran Seni dan Budaya TK Laboratorium

The development of cultural educational asset flashcards based on Augmented Reality (AR) for art and culture learning at TK Laboratorium aims to enhance children's interest and understanding of local arts and culture. This program integrates AR technology with educational flashcards to create an interactive and engaging learning experience. Methods include the design and development of AR flashcards, technical training for teachers, and effectiveness evaluation through user feedback. Results show a significant increase in children's engagement and understanding of art and cultural materials. The implementation of this program is expected to support the development of innovative and effective art and culture learning at the early childhood education level.

Exploring the Role of Local Artists in Public Health Campaigns

This paper investigates the role of local artists in public health campaigns, emphasizing how art can serve as a potent tool for health communication. By examining case studies and the intersection of art and public health, the paper reveals how local artists contribute to community mobilization, enhance message dissemination, and foster behavioral changes through various creative mediums. The study also examines the challenges artists face in such campaigns, including funding, recognition, and integration into public health initiatives. Recommendations are offered for fostering more effective collaborations between artists and health professionals, promoting the co-creation of impactful health messaging. Keywords: Local artists, public health campaigns, health communication, community engagement, art and health collaboration.

The Offer and the Importance of Culture and Art in the Business Tourism Sector

Hotel businesses often look for ways to differentiate themselves and offer a new experience to their guests. Partnering with the creative industry can play an important role. In this context, many hotels are closely linked to various forms of culture and are an important part of the creative industry. This relationship impacts on local cultures as tourism businesses act as an object to enhance and promote the culture of a community and provide a diverse and experiential experience for visitors. In this way, many hotels contain artwork and design elements within their premises, aiming to showcase local culture and encourage creativity. Guests can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere based on local art and design, and the inclusion of painting, music, theatre, music and dance events and gastronomy festivals seem to help occupancy and the possibility of high room rates in the hotel business.

Effect of Traditional Textile Techniques on Modern Fashion Design in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of traditional textile techniques on modern fashion design in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Traditional textile techniques in Nigeria, such as adire (tie-dye), akwete weaving, and aso-oke fabric, have significantly influenced modern fashion design. These indigenous methods, known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, are increasingly incorporated into contemporary fashion by Nigerian designers. The use of traditional techniques adds cultural depth and authenticity, appealing to both local and international audiences. Modern designers blend these age-old methods with contemporary styles, creating innovative and unique fashion pieces that reflect Nigeria’s rich heritage. This fusion has not only revitalized traditional craftsmanship but also positioned Nigeria as a global hub for Afrocentric fashion. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural identity theory, sustainable fashion theory & brand equity theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of traditional textile techniques on modern fashion design in Nigeria. Fashion designers should collaborate with local artisans who specialize in traditional textile techniques. Policymakers should develop initiatives that support artisanal communities involved in traditional textile production.

Drag Artists in Shanghai: Balancing Local and Global Influences in Queer Cultural Production

This article discusses a case study of a group of local and expat drag artists based in Shanghai, China. Theoretical perspectives of “global gay” discourse, queer temporality and Chinese-centric queer theories were employed to question how Shanghai’s drag artists navigate drag’s growing popularity, Chinese state restrictions and Western dominance. Through analysing semi-structured interviews and performance video samples of seven drag artists and one LGBTQ+ venue owner, queer cultural productions in China were explored to ask how they offer new possibilities for queer knowledge production, and propose futurities that are simultaneously transnational and rooted in China. While the influence of Euro-American LGBTQ+ discourse was documented and acknowledged, other perspectives revealed more nuanced conceptualisations of the binary between copy/original, the frictions inherent in cultural exchange, and diverse forms of resistance. Shanghai’s drag scene is evolving in distinct ways, incorporating both global and local influences and cultural traditions. With queer knowledge still largely attributed to the West, and non-Western experiences vastly underrepresented, it is important to recognise what underground cultural productions such as those in Shanghai offer global queer cultural exchange.

Art Market as a Factor in Shaping the Artistic Environment of Ukraine: Institutional Foundations and Development Prospects

The purpose of the article. The article is devoted to the influence of the leading persons and institutions of the Ukrainian art market on the formation of the circle of the most famous figures in the artistic environment, the dominant trends in the artistic life of the country, the tastes of the public, as well as the growing influence of representatives of the art business on the activities of state institutions in the field of culture. The methodology of the work is based on the application of methods of observation, analysis and generalisation, as well as the structural-functional method, considering the art market and the artistic environment as closely related social phenomena. A sociological approach to art as a collective activity is applied, in which not only artists are involved, but a large network of other participants in cultural life and the art market. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the study of the role of local art business in shaping the structure of the contemporary artistic environment of Ukraine. For the first time, the question of how decisive is the influence of the participants of the Ukrainian art market (primarily – art dealers, collectors and institutions related to them) on the formation of a certain hierarchical ranking of artists in the Ukrainian art environment on representatives of the mainstream and the rest of other, less well-known figures was highlighted, a significant part of which is, so to speak, on the periphery of cultural life; the impact of the art market on public tastes and the activities of state bodies in the field of culture is also outlined. Until now, the topic of close interdependence of the art world and the art market has been avoided in the Ukrainian art history discourse. Conclusions. The art market selects artists who become the most famous figures in Ukrainian artistic life and get the opportunity to represent the country at the international level. The art market shapes public tastes; the most successful participants of the art market (primarily art dealers and collectors) seek to participate in the formation of state cultural policy by integrating into state institutions. In accordance with world trends, the private sector will gain more and more influence in the modern cultural life of the country, which will have both a number of advantages for the development of the Ukrainian art market and artistic life, as well as certain, potentially possible, disadvantages.

Preservation of arts and culture through edutourism village of Mentaraman in Malang East Java

There are many kinds of community efforts in preserving their local culture, one of which is to carry out routine activities that are integrated with the village celebration agenda so that they become a medium for demonstrating the performance of their local cultural arts potential. This Community Service (PkM) activity aims to package cultural preservation efforts through the formation of an educational tourism village (eduwisata). The location is in the village of Mentaraman, Pagelaran Village, Malang Regency, East Java. The stages used were identification of potential and problems, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), program preparation, socialisation, and trial visits. Analysis of the results used the 6P simultaneous stage. The results of the community service programme are in the form of a tourism package document supported by an increase in skills and a variety of performing arts as well as the involvement of local communities in management. Recommendations include the need to increase the capacity of local tour guides, the participation of artists, and the use of information technology to support digital-based promotions.

The Careful Project: Evaluating the acceptability of local virtual reality experiences as a leisure activity for residents in aged care.

The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality (VR) as a leisure activity for people living in residential aged care. Virtual reality experiences may offer alternatives for residents with limited mobility, or during times when older people are unable to leave residential care. The intervention used VR videos delivered via a head-mounted device. Video content was created by a local artist specifically for use with older Western Australian adults and used local content. VR sessions were videotaped for analysis. The evaluation included structured observation of video content to assess mood and engagement and post-intervention interviews with participants. Mood and engagement scores indicated overall favourable mood and considerable positive engagement with the VR experience. Interview content analysis reflected the enjoyment participants took in visiting places they had once been and the surprising ways that the experience made them feel and act as though they were actually there. Videos featuring coastal visits were the most popular and videos featuring music were the most engaging. Some participants found the head-mounted device uncomfortable. VR was considered potentially beneficial for residents with limited mobility or living with cognitive impairment. Overall VR is a feasible and acceptable leisure activity for older people in residential care. The use of local content has the potential to prompt memories and generate new conversations. Future use of VR may consider different modes of video delivery and advancements in evaluation.

Communication through popular culture: Analyzing a googi performance on early marriage among the Kusaas of Ghana

This work investigates the use of a popular cultural performance called googi, to advocate against early marriage and its associated cases of adolescent pregnancies in Kusaal speaking communities in Ghana. It highlights how a local cultural artist employs the power of an indigenous language to skillfully address a significant socio-cultural issue. This research analyses the literary techniques employed by the artist in her didactic performance which challenges cultural norms that endorse early marriage. The artist advocates for social transformation through education underscoring the causes of early marriage as including socio-economic and cultural factor. The findings demonstrate that the persuasive use of indigenous language in popular cultural performances serves as great instruments for communication, advocacy and entertainment in rural communities.