Bridge prepares for an art attack

AFTER a cosy, colourful and successful yarn-bombing project in 2021, the Bridge Mall Business Association is running another winter initiative to unite the creative community.

Registrations are now open for residents to contribute to ARTIFY The Bridge, which is set to fill and brighten the shopping precinct with the art of residents, clubs, schools, and organisations.

“It’s not just yarn-bombing this year, we’ve opened it up to include other art projects and installations on the trees,” general manager Germaine Davey said.

“An artwork could still be yarn-bombing, or something else, but what’s key here is imagination. We’re always flexible and will accommodate people’s different ideas.”

Entries already include long scarfs, upcycled pieces, crochet work, painting and drawing.

Contributors could win prizes at a celebration in July, including $200 for best-in-show, and awards for most imaginative entry, best under-18 entry, best community group, and people’s choice.

“Ballarat is an incredibly creative community, and we’re really passionate about joining with them to deliver these sorts of projects because The Bridge is a community space,” Ms Davey said.

“We would love to see individuals, community groups, and schools making and participating in this project as we believe that these types of activities strengthen our bonds.”

Ms Davey said any activities that further beautify Ballarat, and the polarising Bridge Mall, are always worthwhile, but they need to be supported and driven by local people.

“The council can invest money into The Bridge Mall, and we can invest all our time and energy into The Bridge Mall, but it really comes down to the community changing their mindset.

“It’s only as good as the community that supports it. We employ a lot of people down here, and they’re worth supporting,” she said.

Visit shopthebridge.com.au/artify to register.