Friday, March 06, 2009

Turning the Camera Towards Tasmania

The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, has addressed the San Francisco Art Institute as part of a collaborative presentation by Tourism Tasmania and Adobe Lightroom Adventure, to raise awareness of Tasmania as a destination for artists.

Hosted by award-winning photographer and best-selling author Mikkel Aaland from digital media publisher O’Reilly Media, the event was part of Tourism Tasmania’s G’DAY USA 2009 activities.

Speaking after the presentation at the prestigious education institution, Ms O’Byrne said Tourism Tasmania’s partnership with Mr Aaland and the software giant, Adobe, began in January last year at G’DAY USA 2008 and resulted in O’Reilly Media bringing the 2008 Adobe Lightroom Adventure to Tasmania in April.

“Over a 10-day period, 17 of the world’s best photographers took Adobe’s new Lightroom 2.0 software for a ‘hands-on’ road test through Tasmania’s iconic locations.

“The resulting book, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure, featured stunning photographic images and stories from the journey, and went on sale in October.

In his address, Mr Aaland discussed his craft and his recent trip to Tasmania, telling the audience how this visit influenced his work, presenting photographs and stories from the Adobe Lightroom Adventure Tasmania 2008.

Ms O’Byrne said her speech was an opportunity to introduce the targeted audience to Arts Tasmania’s Artists Residency Program.

“This innovative program provides American artists with the opportunity to explore Tasmania as part of a program of artist residencies, and I encouraged the students to apply.

“Attendees were further encouraged to visit Tasmania through special travel packages tailored specifically towards photography buffs, and provided in partnership with US-based organisation “The Adventure Travel Company.”

Ms O’Byrne said more than 70 students and staff members attended the lecture, drawn in not only by famed photographer Mikkel Aaland, but also a variety of pre-event promotion and Tasmanian themed giveaways at the event itself.

“I was also pleased to present SFAI with a donation of photographic equipment on behalf of the Tasmanian Government.

“At G’DAY USA 2009, the Tasmanian delegation has been emphasising that our State is more than just a holiday destination – it is a place where you can have a enriching and transforming experience and is full of wonderful artistic opportunities,” she said.

G’DAY USA is a two-week spotlight on Australia, presented by the Australia Week Committee, with a diverse program of activities and events showcasing the very best of Australian culture, fashion, food, wine, tourism and business .

G’DAY USA 2009 runs from 13-24 January 2009 with events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

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