Internationally acclaimed artists, Cobi Cockburn and Charles ‘Chick’ Butcher, are hoping to give back to their community by establishing an arts space in their backyard, so they can exhibit their own work locally and foster other creative artists.

The whole of their land in Marks St, formally the Mitchells Removals site, is zoned light industrial although existing rights allow them to live there.

Cobi works with glass and Chick paints and sculpts, mostly with steel, in their backyard studio, with their work sold through Sydney and American galleries.

They have lodged a Temporary Use DA that envisages using their existing studio for workshops, exhibitions and other art events, under the name Seven Marks.

“All of the things we will be doing in the grounds will be supportive of the arts,” says Cobi.

“We want to bring back home some of the energy we experience overseas when we exhibit.

“It will be a really sophisticated, culturally-aware, Australian experience.”

Their DA says that the proposal will include space for curated events, including exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, performances and music. They are particularly keen to provide opportunities to connect with local Indigenous culture.

An artist's impression of the activated arts area

Cobi is aware there might be some hesitancy from neighbours before they understand the concept fully. COVID restrictions have prevented them from having people over to the space to explain their ideas.

“We believe we are bridging that gap [between light industrial and residential zones] really well by being a creative industry. We have put years into regenerating and cleaning up the block,” she says. 

“Instead of putting industry right into the residential zone we are a nurturing buffer.

“We have given the idea a lot of consideration, as we live here too, including putting numerous measures in place to make sure the concept works for our neighbours.”

While the DA applies to have up to 150 people at events, Cobi says this will only be occasionally.

“It is just to give us the option to hold a bigger event where we open up to the community.

“Most of the 30 events we are applying to be able to have will be smaller affairs.”

Cobi's work on exhibition in Melbourne

Projected collaborations could include local high schools, plus international, emerging, established and Indigenous artists.

“I don't feel the price of commercial real estate in Kiama makes exhibiting the arts sustainable or even viable,” says Cobi.

“We thought we would eliminate these immediate pressures and try something in our own back yard.

“For example, a commercial gallery isn't going to be able to facilitate a quality art event such as ArtExpress or the like for the local High Schools, but we could.”

The DA is on public display at www.kiama.nsw.gov.au until October 4.

Locals in Marks and Reid Streets and Henley Avenue have received a letter drop advising them of the development.