|
Humans have enjoyed the arts since we discovered sight and sound. We admire landscapes, love the human body form, relax to melodious tunes and marvel at dancers and actors. Why is it that after all these years and generations only the big names are known to the public at large? Some only gained fame posthumously. Only the better known venues are well attended. The problem is definitely the lack of promotion. We are sure that the public is not deliberately keeping away from up-and-coming talent. People's attention has to be drawn to the huge variety of talent that is out there somewhere. Our purpose is to locate the talent and broadcast them to the reader. As you can imagine, it is a rather daunting task chasing up leads and reviewing works, much of which - as is to be expected - will turn out to be only so-so. We will then have to move on to the next. The views of this magazine will be totally subjective! If we like what we experience, we will publish it and possibly even scream and shout about it! It is a promise, however, that what we say will be exactly how we feel. The Talent Unplugged team is supported by the resources of FC Productions a graphic design and pre-press company known for superb quality work and for their radically different approach to the way things are done in their industry. There is a constant questioning of why. For example, this company believes in giving a break to the young by recruiting only fresh graduates in fine arts or graphic design. The result is a refreshing outlook. The seed for the magazine grew from this vibrant environment - "We've got to do something about it!" If we are a team of artists and designers, why then is this website so plain? Well if anyone wishes to see fancy sites, there are plenty of them around. Our purpose is not to strut our own stuff. We want to give you as much speed as possible. Besides, this site will soon be rich with wonderful art from the talent we will be featuring. We intend to keep our pages clean so that you can enjoy the art! The magazine will be in constant motion. Initially, we will be adding to its contents on a daily basis, but it will soon become a weekly publication. Contributions of both material and ideas will be most welcome. We hope this site will help you enjoy the arts more.  Message from the founder, Francis Chuah:It is our hope that this site will become the conduit through which arts lovers will get to know the unknown talent. Australia has a large pool of talented people both young and old but there is almost no chance for them to gain the recognition they deserve simply because of the inability of the popular press to provide the space or air time. What is needed is a magazine devoted to being the platform from which artists may launch themselves.This magazine is therefore aimed at those of us lacking in talent (sorry) but not in the desire for the arts. Many will be surprised (just as I was) when they discover that their colleagues, business contacts or some of their neighbours are in fact excellent actors who have been performing for ages. In the 14 years that I have been in the photography and design business, I have met with many artists whose marvellous works are never seen simply because they cannot afford to mount an exhibition, and most do not have the business accumen to market themselves. I am very lucky to be in business in the area I love, but alas, I cannot paint, dance or make music. I feel very sad therefore to see someone with real talent in the arts having to suppress that beauty and spend the rest of his or her life in an "ordinary" job. That loss is definitely ours too! Music, art and theatre have given me much pleasure. My taste is for the small, intimate venues where absolute gems can be frequently found. It is a real pity that the crowds only jam the blockbusters. I have nothing against these extravaganzas, but the general public is unfortunately not aware of the marvellous stuff they can enjoy close to home without having to book months in advance. Ticket price too must be an incentive to visit the local halls - AUD$15-$20 as against AUD$70-$100 or more - if only they they knew. It is our aim here to broadcast to the public at large that there is much to enjoy very close by without breaking the bank and that the struggling talent need their support. It is a difficult task for our editorial staff to seek out the unknown (that's why they are unknown). Much detective work is involved. Therefore, any lead will be appreciated. I hope you enjoy the magazine. Do let us know what you would like to read in upcoming issues. Thank you. |