One of the coolest projects that we’ve had the pleasure of being involved with over the past few years, is the amazingly diverse and comprehensive Cutback project, put together by Rachel Bentley. Traversing the world, interviewing a plethora of amazing artists and grabbing shots of work from a hundred different walls, the Cutback project, both the introductory documentary itself and the multitude of web features,  is finally about to be released – and we’re really, really pretty damn excited.

For an overview of the project, read on for the press release as well as all the info on how to check it out.

“CUTBACK is a multi-platform web and feature documentary filmed between 2011-2014 in Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin, NYC and London. Featuring in depth interviews from artists and writers it challenges the public’s preconceptions on art in the urban environment. CUTBACK explores the ‘key’ to understanding the artist’s addiction, which is street art and graffiti . The project features interviews with artists as they discuss their individual approach to their work, artistic motivations and frustrations.

CUTBACK documentary features artists from Australia and internationally, including: E.L.K. Makatron, Rone, Meggs, HAHA, Perso, Zerosix, Vexta, Mini Graff, CDH, Shannon Crees, Facter, Juanjo, DMOTE, Kid Zoom, and with commentary from Alison Young, Kurt Iveson, Jaklyn Babbington (NGA),Frances Lindsay (NGV), Fletcher Andersen, Sandra Powell and Andrew King.

Within the CUTBACK digital platform, over 60 artists have been interviewed, including luminaries such as Beastman, Numskull, Jak Rapmund, Ben Frost, Bill Dimas and John Whiltshire, Phibs and Meres (5Pointz). As an on-going, ever expanding project, a wealth of updates will be regularly added to the CUTBACK online platform.

CUTBACK also features the music of renowned Sydney artist and producer, Daniel (Ears) O’Toole.

The CUTBACK screening and launch is presented by INVURT in Melbourne and Commune Studios in Sydney.”

Rachel Bentley really has done an extraordinary job at putting all of this together – having seen the documentary cut myself, its pretty damn cool.

But the greatest thing about this entire project, is that it isn’t just limited to the documentary itself, which really only shows a small slice of what the entire thing entails. With over 60 artists having been interviewed over the past three years, it may be one of the most comprehensive video archives of artists practicing on the streets here in Australia – and, after the initial launch (on the 13th of December), these interviews will all be released on the Cutback website, with even more to be added. It will be a continually evolving entity, and, much like what we try to do here, will help to capture the essence and vitality of the ever evolving Australian graffiti and street art scenes.

Check out the promo video for the project –

The Sydney event will be held on the 5th of December, and the Melbourne event will be held on the 12th – the Melbourne event will also allow for those who have never seen the amazing Emerald Car Park to get an exclusive tour (its closed to the public and hasnt been open for quite some time), and they will also be having their official after event at That One Shot II event and exhibition, where we will all be kicking on to after the doco screening and tour.

Seats at both the screenings are quite limited, but if you want to get a chance to see it first hand then here’s your chance – you just have to register at the Eventbrite links below. It’s simple, and completely free just click the links below to the respective screening – spots are filling up quickly, so get onto it.

Cutback Sydney Screening

Friday 5th December 2014
COMMUNE Studios
186 Rochford St, Erskineville

6.00pm – Exhibition and drinks.
7.00pm – CUTBACK Documentary screening
9.00pm – Concludes

Register for the Sydney event here – http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/commune-studios-presents-cutback-launch-tickets-14208182055

Cutback Melbourne Screening

Friday 12th December
1800 – Exhibition
1830 – DOCO screening
2000 – Rare tour of Emerald House carpark !
830 – Official After Event – That One Shot II @ 1 Doonside St Richmond 

Register for the Melbourne event here – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/invurt-presents-cutback-launch-tickets-14183105049