When Urban Art Projects (UAP) launched their new mentorship program it’s unlikely they were expecting a textiles designer to take on the challenge.

But KT Doyle, the recipient of the inaugural mentorship, was more than prepared. “I’ve always ‘made stuff’,” she says, “and loved art at school, so it was a natural progression to continue on to Queensland College of Art in Brisbane after high school… I have worked in many areas from temporary installations in public spaces to commercial product design… my ideas drive the materials I use.”

A specialist Art consultancy firm, UAP creates site-specific commissions for architectural and landscape environments around the world. Supported and managed by artisan, the mentorship has been developed to support Queensland’s emerging designers.

Consisting of a three-month residency at the Urban Art Projects studio in Northgate, the mentorship will result in an urban artwork installation somewhere in Brisbane.

“I learnt so much from producing my first range of commercial products, especially working in collaboration with manufacturers to create work of exceptional quality,” KT says. “I’m excited about the synergy between the way we work and look forward translating concepts of ‘making place’ from my 2D designs into the 3rd Dimension.”

KT is excited by the progressive nature of design in Queensland, noting the new Design Strategy 2020 as a positive step, “support has continued to grow over the past 15 years for Queensland artists and designers, with guidance generously given by individuals and organisations passionately embedded in the art and design sector.”

The designer begins her residency later this month and is looking forward to creating her own installation with help and guidance from the UAP team.

“I believe the next three months will extend the ways in which I currently work, as they guide me through every step of the commissioning process. I am looking forward to the chance to experiment, explore and expand my practice… and gain a greater understanding of how we use public space.”

Stay tuned to KT’s blog for more.

ktdoyle.com

Photograph by Adam Smith