The new MAG-NET Artist-in-Residence Program was a highly successful collaboration between Mosman Art Gallery, Sydney Harbour National Park, Michelle Belgiorno, A.R.T Foundation (Tokyo) and ArtsPeople, and was generously supported by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation.

Selected from 26 applicants, Japanese artist Miku Sato was an enthusiastic and committed artist who made the most of her 4 weeks at Middle Head from 31 March to 29 April 2015, exploring the area and engaging with the local history and environment. In particular her interest in the Japanese submarine attack on Sydney Harbour during World War II, resulted in the first stage development of a new video work.

Her residency period culminated with a collaborative work – a ‘Soup Making’ workshop – whereby 6 artists/curators created soups particular to their cultural heritage. This became a celebration of the residency’s success and confirmation of the positive impact such programs have on our community.

Building on this successful pilot, plans are now underway to launch the MAG-NET program as an ongoing exchange residency between Mosman and its friendship city in Japan, Otsu.

IMAGE: SOUP WORKSHOP AT HEADLAND PARK