Proving that it’s never anything but creative Chippendale’s Queen Street Studio (QSS) is preparing to host Welcome later this month. Unfolding in Studio 12 at FraserStudios and curated by VisArts coordinator Pete Volich, the new exhibition showcases the work Madeleine Cruise, Daniel Hollier, Anna John and Jacqueline Larcombe – the four uber deserving recipients of QSS’s Residency Award.

Created back in 2009 in consultation with honours convenors at the National Art School and Sydney College of the Arts, the QSS Residency Award is all about acknowledging and supporting emerging artists straight out of school.

So it’s not all that alarming to find that Cruise, Hollier, John and Larcombe are formidably creative individuals. All are honours graduates from Sydney’s assorted art schools who have a knack for producing imaginative work, making a mark on the Sydney gallery scene and nabbing residencies across the globe. With their diverse styles, practices and outlooks their works range from hard-edge abstract paintings to uplifting sculptures that come with a noticeably softer edge.

The opening of Welcome on Saturday 19 March coincides with the first FraserStudios Open Day of 2011. Both events give us a chance to explore the working studios of QSS’s resident artists while glimpsing some of the best budding talent around. Current Vis Arts Residents are Mitch Cairns, Jo Daniel, Todd Fuller, Sebastian Goldspink, Jonathan James, Cara Macleod, Jai McKenzie, Nerine Martini, Johannes Muljana, JD Reforma, Kyla Ring, Todd Robinson, Jelena Telecki, Phil Williams and Emma Wise.

QSS has more good news for the artistically minded with applications for ArtStart now open. ArtStart supports original artistic projects for and with young creatives aged between 12 and 24. Offering a total of $3000 and focusing on the Central Metropolitan Region, QSS is seeking expressions of interests from individuals, groups and organisations who hope to launch youth initiatives or build on a cultural activity that’s already alive and kicking. These projects can include everything from writing for film and television to physical theatre or design and production. Applications close Monday 11 April with forms and information available from this nifty hyperlink.

Welcome Exhibition Opening & FraserStudios Open Day
10-14 Kensington Street, Chippendale
Saturday 19 March 2011, 2-5pm