ABOUT ASPIR
The Arts Society Phillip Island Region Inc. (ASPIR) is a community organisation that provides arts programs and workshops to members and the public, to inspire creativity and encourage learning. Entirely run by volunteers, we’ve established a wonderful program of monthly activities, two major annual exhibitions, workshops and other events.
The Easter and Cup Weekend Exhibitions are highlights of the year where we showcase ASPIR members’ work. Bass Coast residents can acquire beautiful artworks, and ASPIR members get to formally show their extraordinary creations. The Exhibitions include an awards program with visiting judges to recognise and encourage ASPIR members’ artistic excellence.
A volunteer-run arts organisation
We’re entirely run by members and volunteer committees. For decades volunteers have given their countless ideas, time, and energy to make us who we are today. The monthly sessions are run by volunteers too, and it is exciting to see new members grow in their artistic expression as they are mentored and inspired by fellow members of ASPIR.
THE CREATIVE Arts Station
ASPIR activities have always been held in ad-hoc community spaces, mostly on a very temporary basis. We’ve been on a quest for the last 30 years to find a permanent place for ASPIR to call home.
We are excited to announce that negotiations with Bass Coast Shire have been successful – we have a permanent place! ASPIR and three other arts-related groups have moved in to 119 Settlement Road in what was the old CFA building, and is now called the Creative Arts Station.
Having our own space means that we can develop ASPIR’s program of activities to reach out further into the community to inspire people and support their artistic journeys.
A brief history of ASPIR
Since 1995 we’ve been bringing artists and writers together - from painters to poets, potters and textile artists. In 1995 a small group of visual artists created The Artists’ Society of Phillip Island as a community network to serve local artists. In 2022 we changed the name to the Arts Society Phillip Island Region Inc. to acknowledge the breadth of our 180+ members’ experience, and to reflect our influence on the Arts in the wider region.
In 1988 Bruce Pascoe ran a writer’s workshop at Wonthaggi Secondary College. In 1989 it evolved into a community group that Petrea Savige named “Ibis Writers”. The Ibis Writers eventually joined ASPIR. Fittingly, the ibis is a local water bird that is also the ancient symbol of Thoth - the Egyptian god of wisdom and learning, inventor of writing, and the official scribe of the after-world.
Image detail: Stacey Shine
CREATIVE Groups
ASPIR members are automatically signed up to our creative groups.
Visual Arts
Formed in 1994, the visual arts group provides activities that include life drawing, en plein air, appraisal, and portraits.
Writing
The Ibis Writers Group formed in 1988, and provides an informal forum for developing writers to grow in confidence and expertise. The writers meet monthly, hold workshops and readings and also seek to renew a community interest in poetry.
Textiles
Formed in 2011, the textiles group meets fortnightly to share their skills and knowledge in textiles
and fabric art.
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Image detail: Jen Olson
VISION
To be a community leader connecting people to the arts.
MISSION
To provide artistic programs that educate, inform and inspire.
VALUES
Respect
Honesty
Fairness
Open communication
Support
Encouragement
Commitment