Jack Andrew Wilkie-Jans originally started his career in the arts as a volunteer artsworker, curator and events and exhibitions co-ordinator for local grass-roots level arts and cultural events. His tribal Grandmother was the late, “Thapich” Dr Gloria Fletcher James AO. Jack lives and works in Cairns, far north Queensland. In 2011 he, along with many other volunteers who work in a wide selection of industries, was awarded the Senator Jan McLucas Volunteer Recognition Award for his efforts and work with youth at risk with youth charities and for his efforts in strengthening the local Cairns arts & cultural scene.
Jack first started volunteering in the Arts at Cell Art Space, an Artist Run Initiative in far north Queensland. This role saw him participate in a group exhibition of the Co-Directors called 'Art Sense’ in 2011.
His most notable project was The ’2012’ Exhibition, funded by Youth Arts Queensland. The exhibition showcased many emerging artists alongside many established local artists. The exhibition drew a crowd consisting of many state and local dignitaries; providing emerging artists with exhibition preparation skills and networks.
As an artist he has exhibited earlier works in several group exhibitions. In 2011 Jack was a participant in the Wesfarmer’s Arts Indigenous Leadership Program at the National Gallery of Australia.
In May 2012, Jack held his first solo exhibition at C.1907 Gallery & Art Space titled 'the First & Last Fleet’. It spoke of the most significant moment in Australian history when the First Fleet landed on Australian shores, changing the landscape, both social and material, forever. He has also donated several artworks to a special bursary created in honour of Thapich Dr Gloria Fletcher James AO. The bursary funds are awarded to young and emerging Western Cape artists wishing to expand their career opportunities and industry connections.
In August 2012 Jack held a solo exhibition throughout the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, with the Indigenous Beautiful Art Spaces programme partnered with Art Queensland, the Cairns Regional Council and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. The exhibition was held at Vibe Bar and Lounge in Cairns. The exhibition will travel in October to another venue in Cairns, the Salthouse, for further display.
In October 2012 Jack organised a charitable art auction for the Declan Crouch Fund in partnership with the Dr Edward Koch Foundation. The Declan Crouch Fund Charity Art Auction was auctioneered by The Hon. Warren Entsch MP and raised well over $4,000 for the Fund to go towards their great work with Suicide Prevention and Awareness Raising in the Cairns community.
- Writers:
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- Date written:
- 2012
- Last updated:
- 2012
