In August 2010 the Harbour City Bears screened a film festival which showcased a great selection of features and shorts.
Bear Nation was an exceptionally well received film which was produced by Kevin Smith (of Clerks fame and a straight man) who promoted the film on The David Letterman Show and introduced mainstream America to Bears. This very public endorsement has provided greater visibility to the growth of the Bear community and given rise to a desire to develop and share cultural ideas. There are podcasts, magazines (not necessarily of the racy variety) and blogs which specifically tailor to Bears and give an insight into what makes the community tick.
Musicians such as Tim Seely and Grizzly Bear (with their gay lead singer), openly court a Bear audience.
And, of course, there are the many internationally-renowned bear gatherings — the recent Bearracuda party in Sydney being an example. Many of the DJs who play at such events produce their own mixes and have large online followings.
The Harbour City Bears, having recognised this burgeoning sense of identity, has held a Bears Artspace since 2009. It is a space for artworks by Bears to be exhibited during our annual Bear Essentials festival. In those previous years, talented
Bear artists have shown high-quality pieces including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography and digital artwork to an appreciative and diverse crowd.
In 2011 the third annual Bears Artspace will be making its’ home at Monstrosity Gallery. It launches Monday, February 21 and will be open for the duration of the Bear Essentials festival.
Harbour City Bears are placing a call-out for Bear Artists to submit works for our gallery of furry delight. If you, or someone you know, would like to be considered for the showing email [email protected] for a submission pack.
Keep an eye out for the Bear Essentials program, circle the launch date and prepare to be Bear-dazzled.
info: For more in the Bear Artspace and Bear Essentials 15, visit www.bearessentials.com.au
By COZA THOMAS, Harbour City Bears.
