The arts – in all its various forms, weaves the fabric of our society.
Maja Irene Bolier was one of the four artists who took part in the first program of 2025.
‘Magnify’ hosted by Kingston Arts – a subdivision within the council, is an artist residency program with a one-time payment to cover art supplies (approx. $1000AUD).
Selected artists – four in total, have access to rent-free studio space for three months.
As an international artist, they did not expect to be chosen for this program. However, this allowed them to work during their return to Melbourne.
Bolier’s work consistently subverts expectations as they produce art in a variety of mediums; from documentaries to textiles.
For Bolier art isn’t just a hobby, it’s their life.
“I don’t know, I think I was just born with it. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s a way of life… I guess… a calling,” Bolier said.
Throsby and Petetskaya state that 91 per-cent of artists in Australia rely on other streams of income to survive; citing economic factors as the core reason they cannot pursue their art full-time.
Within municipalities across Melbourne, creativity and culture is celebrated, as it allows the viewer to escape their own life and travel into a different world.
The City of Kingston hosts many exhibitions and events promoting the local arts sector, hoping to foster support and community.
When asked about her experience in the Magnify program Bolier simply stated,
“I basically live here.”
The four artists participating in Magnify are hosting an ‘open studio’. They aim to inspire members of the community to engage with the program.
The open studio gives members of the local community a chance to peek behind the (metaphorical) curtain.
Bolier’s days average at seven hours in the studio, working into the night on one of their many projects.
“I think with residencies you should see where the art leads you,” said Bolier.
References
/Kingston Arts. (2025a). Magnify: Artists in Residence. Www.kingstonarts.com.au. https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/Whats-On/visual-arts/all-exhibitions/magnify-artists-in-residence
Kingston Arts. (2025b). What’s On. Kingstonarts.com.au. https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/Whats-On
The City of Kingston. (2018). KINGSTON ARTS & CULTURAL STRATEGY 2018-2022. Www.kingston.vic.gov.au. https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au
Throsby, D., & Petetskaya, K. (2024). Artists as Workers: An Economic Study of Professional Artists in Australia. Creative Australia. https://creative.gov.au/advocacy-and-research/artists-as-workers-an-economic-study-of-professional-artists-in-australia/
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