Come and see The Real Thing

THE tenth Ballarat International Foto Biennale opens next month and is set to celebrate the depth of talent of regional Victorian photographic artists.

Founder of BIFB Jeff Moorfoot is curating an exhibition for the festival called The Real Thing which will feature 15 regional Victorian creatives.

CEO Vanessa Gerrans said the show, which includes work by Ballarat’s Aldona Kmiec and Daylesford’s Tim Burder, is all about highlighting what regional Victorian creatives have to offer, and in preparation, the participating artists are responding to a piece of late-60s music.

“The Real Thing is an event mirroring the surround sound-likeness of Russell Morris’ song,” she said.

“Standing within the exhibition space, audiences will be wrapped in artistic visions of life and country from these notable photographers. Be prepared to experience The Real Thing.”

Other practicing artists involved are John Ansell, Robert Ashton, Andrew Chapman, Peter Dunphy, Trevor Foon, Jacqui Henshaw, Julie Millowick, Rachel Mounsey, Harry Nankin, Kim Percy, Michael Rayner, Sandy Scheltema, and Ellie Young, who work across photojournalism, commercial photography, fine art, documentary, and more.

The exhibition is being supported with a more than $20,000 Australian Government Regional Arts Fund grant delivered by Regional Arts Victoria.

“Now more than ever, we are seeing more artists and communities engaging in this important and highly competitive program,” RAV’s strategic initiatives director Susie Lyons said.

“We want to thank the members of the independent assessment panel for their time and commitment in supporting exceptional and diverse arts practice in regional Victoria.”

The Real Thing will be presented at 41 Lydiard Street from Saturday 26 August to Sunday 22 October, and is ticketed.