It’s official.  The Convent is going global!

 

ABBOTSFORD CONVENT x THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

The Abbotsford Convent Foundation is thrilled to announce a global partnership with The Chocolate Factory in New York – a new initiative focused on artist exchange as part of the 20th Anniversaries of both organisations. Like the Convent, The Chocolate Factory is an arts and culture-centred organisation focused on nurturing a diversity of creative expression for their vibrant community. We are so proud to be collaborating with them.  

THE HUXLEYS IN NYC 

The exchange commences with the Convent being represented by The Huxleys with whom we have formed a strong creative collaboration over the past year. As part of this exchange, The Huxleys will immerse themselves in all that American contemporary arts has to offer, starting with taking part in the renowned Fusebox Festival in Austin Texas. In New York they will begin work with our partners at The Chocolate Factory. This experience will benefit The Huxleys’ artistic, cultural and market development now and into the future.
 
Following the Huxley’s highly acclaimed Bloodlines exhibition at the Convent in February 2024, the artist exchange enables further research into the ongoing impacts of HIV / AIDS epidemic, through engagement with local organisations and key artists.

Reciprocity is key to this exchange. The Huxleys will share their research, ethos and arts practice with Chocolate Factory artists and Board members, providing an invaluable exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives. 

Abbotsford Convent Artistic Director and CEO, Collette Brennan said: “This new partnership is the culmination of many discussions between the Convent and The Chocolate Factory about how we can collaborate to support enriching global artist mobility and exchange. After meeting at our venues in New York and Melbourne over the years and unpacking our shared experiences of COVID, which were particularly harsh in both places, it reinforced the urgency of undertaking a restorative and exchange-based approach to global engagement – especially for independent artists, many of whom work in the intersections and are the most impacted by global conditions. Given that 2024 is the 20th anniversary of both organisations, this is the perfect time to turn discussion into action”.

We wish Will and Garrett – The Huxleys – all the best for a deep and rich engagement. And we look forward to sharing their research and cultural highlights online with our audiences throughout the exchange.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!  

In other wonderfully serendipitous news, just as Abbotsford Convent Foundation prepares to celebrate our first 20 years, we are also delighted to wish both The Chocolate Factory AND Fusebox a very happy 20th birthday too!  

While The Huxleys represent the Convent in New York, there is something special happening right here in Melbourne. Join us as we celebrate our momentous anniversary at the Abbotsford Convent’s free Community Open Day on 27 April.

See you all there!