‘I think Canberra is starting to be seen more as an arts precinct. More emerging artists are starting to establish themselves here, and their fantastic work is being incorporated into more spaces.’
‘We do have all of the major cultural institutions but we also have a very strong community of artists working across many different mediums and a lot of them have international practices.’
Mel draws inspiration from her environment, including Canberra’s architecture. She finds beauty and consideration in the way the Capital was set out and its different architectural designs, including its 1950s brutalist buildings.
‘The Canberra arts scene is becoming more integrated in the landscape of Canberra,’ she says. ‘If you walk through any new buildings, public spaces, we are starting to see more art from the Capital being featured which is really fantastic. More Canberra artists are starting to be recognised.’