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A word With China Heights
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Booked to the brim in this its fifth year, China Heights in Sydney's Surry Hills is so contemporary, art gets old after a week on its walls. While they themsleves, are cooler than forgotten piece of toast, Mark Drew and Edward Woodley, China Height's directors have an eye for heat and constantly feature the most amazing artists on their walls. Matt Williams caught up with them for a bit of a chin wag.
Interview by Matt Williams
Firstly, its always nice to hear a little history. Where did the idea/concept for China Heights originate and how did its cogs start turning?
Edward and I had worked on several projects before, and would often come back to the idea of starting a gallery. At the time there was no dedicated space in Sydney showing (or willing to show) the kind of art we were into, and also producing ourselves - from a design, fashion and music perspective. The opportunity to take on the lease arose in early 2004, and we focussed our energies into building the gallery.
What was the biggest obstacle you overcame to get this business started?
Nothing really comes to mind – There was a definite gap wide open for this kind of space, and people were immediately interested in working with us, which is something that has continued, with a strong schedule well into our 5th year,
Did you receive any funding or grants (governmental or other) to assist in the establishment of your business? If yes, was this helpful or constructive?
We have never received any funding whatsoever. We have designed our business to be financially self-sustaining. This allows us to operate on our own terms and achieve our main goal of showcasing both emerging and established artists/creatives.
We have never received any funding whatsoever. We have designed our business to be financially self-sustaining. This allows us to operate on our own terms and achieve our main goal of showcasing both emerging and established artists/creatives.
What's the one feature that makes your business different from others?
A combination of location, gallery size, and our level of artist support.
A combination of location, gallery size, and our level of artist support.
If your gallery was an album, what would it be?
A compilation.
Do you have a sales technique?
Our main focus is always on the artwork itself. We see sales as secondary to the reason for exhibiting, but at the same time operate in an atmosphere that is condusive to sales.
How important is it that you like the art that hangs in your gallery?
It's very important to appreciate elements from every show we present. Our role is to provide a neutral canvas for the artist to project their creative vision.
I notice, from your myspace, that many of your shows seem to be at the Oxford Art Factory. Why?
China Heights is a conventional art space, whilst Oxford Art Factory has a performance/music agenda. As co-founders and creative directors of the Oxford Art Factory, we utilise the opportunity to also promote grander scale events, which China Heights is unequipped for.
China Heights is a conventional art space, whilst Oxford Art Factory has a performance/music agenda. As co-founders and creative directors of the Oxford Art Factory, we utilise the opportunity to also promote grander scale events, which China Heights is unequipped for.
What was the best opening you've had so far?
We're proud of all of our openings, however our 100th exhibition was both a milestone and an excellent showcase of likeminded contemporaries.
We're proud of all of our openings, however our 100th exhibition was both a milestone and an excellent showcase of likeminded contemporaries.
What's your current definition of success?
Notoriety, longevity and opportunity.
Notoriety, longevity and opportunity.
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Describe the ultimate opening night at your gallery (or of your work).
Providing the exhibition opportunity to an emerging/unknown artist, and having it well received by the audience.
Providing the exhibition opportunity to an emerging/unknown artist, and having it well received by the audience.
How soon before you make that happen?
It's a regular occurrence, most recently with Mark Alsweiler, a young artist from New Zealand who's first major solo show was a big success.
It's a regular occurrence, most recently with Mark Alsweiler, a young artist from New Zealand who's first major solo show was a big success.
Where do you think China Heights will be in 5 years? Will it diversify?
We are constantly growing, and will soon open a new site on Crown Street, Surry Hills. Our goals remain the same, but through expansion will be able to broaden our audience.
We are constantly growing, and will soon open a new site on Crown Street, Surry Hills. Our goals remain the same, but through expansion will be able to broaden our audience.
Evidently Art is your passion. Is it possible to still have creative, artistic freedom in a successful business environment?
Yes. Despite the fact that we have what we see as a successful business environment, we both are still involved in projects with complete creative control, and also exhibit our own works individually. Edwards next solo exhibition, titled 'Consequential Autonomy', opens at Monster Children on August 14.
Yes. Despite the fact that we have what we see as a successful business environment, we both are still involved in projects with complete creative control, and also exhibit our own works individually. Edwards next solo exhibition, titled 'Consequential Autonomy', opens at Monster Children on August 14.
What advice can you give those who are out there still dreaming?
Do something about it.
Do something about it.
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