ROSA MAR
SPANISH AUSTRALIAN
VISUAL ARTIST & CREATIVE COLLABORATOR
Currently in residence
Peninsula Hot Springs Residency
Rosa Mar Tato Ortega has commenced her residency at Peninsula Hot Springs as their first-ever visual artist in residence. Following in the footsteps of previous Artists in Residence—beloved musicians such as Lior and Kutcha Edwards, this new chapter marks a significant expansion of the program into the visual arts.
Residing onsite on Bunurong Country, Rosa will spend her time creating and responding to the landscape, engaging deeply with the healing waters and natural surrounds of the Mornington Peninsula.
As part of this residency, Rosa will present an artist talk on Good Friday, 18 April at 6:30pm on the Bath House Amphitheatre stage. She will share insights into her creative process, recent public art outcomes, and the narratives and stories that continue to shape her work.
The talk is complimentary with bathing entry, with twilight bathing available for $55 after 6pm.
World Wetlands Day 2025
CURRENTS OF PRACTICE
An art event interweaving wetlands, time and creative exploration
January 31 – February 02
Q&A panel discussion & exhibition
Award winning broadcaster & journalist Tracee Hutchison will be moderating the Q&A Artist Panel Discussion with coffee available from Friends of Coolart starting at 9:30 AM.
Sunday February 2
11:00AM
Coolart Homestead and Wetlands Observatory
Park opens at 8.30am
Homestead opens 9.00am
Artist spotlights + more
Click for artist spotlights and behind-the-scenes glimpses of this transformative celebration of wetlands and art.
MPRG artist-in-residence program
Rosa spent a few short weeks embracing the notion of the 'creative pause,' a sanctuary for reflection, exploration, and allowing past works to inform new creations at the unique environments of Police Point and Point Nepean National Parks.
Channeling the wisdom of Marina Abramović ‘Art is not made in a vacuum. Art is made by reflecting.
Jika Jika
Community Centre
'De-Fence against Loneliness' funded by a Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions grant, led to the removal of the old childcare fence that surrounds the premises. Its replacement, a series of functional artistic elements were constructed, enhancing and transforming various spaces in and around Jika Jika Community Centre.
This local placemaking project explicitly addresses loneliness, mental health, and social connection through the use of purposeful designed integrated site specific artwork.
Rosa's vision for the inaugural arts event at Coolart Wetlands & Homestead in 2025, showcasing creatives from the Mornington Peninsula and beyond, is taking shape. She is thrilled to have received the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Creative Economy Grant for 2023/24, propelling this exciting venture forward.
CREATIVE CONSULTING, REACTIVATING & MARKETING
'Live where you fear to live' is an artist & small business support program all about empowering & supporting artists become storytellers and attracting opportunities.
The ultimate aim is to establish a satisfying and financially sustainable arts practice and business.
