GovHub looking to commission art

A CALL out for artists to create works for the new GovHub is currently underway.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle is getting behind the project and has invited local artists to apply to commission a piece of work.

Ms Settle said they are expecting a variety of works to fill the main concierge area of the new building.

“I think it would be wonderful if our fabulous new city building was filled with all of the talent that Ballarat has to offer,” she said.

“The applications will be assessed by a panel including Creative Victoria and some of the things that they will be looking for include sustainability, using local materials and the civic qualities or how it relates to Ballarat.

“Any piece of work selected is to embody all that is wonderful in our region.”

Currently, there is an art piece strung across the Mair Street side of the GovHub’s construction site created by Victorian Indigenous artist Bindi Cole Chocka.

The piece is titled Bengek Yeera, Toort-Baaram: I am the Bright Morning Star and aims to create a sense of traditional place for the construction.

Ms Settle said she would love to see local Aboriginal artists get involved and apply for a commission.

“I would strongly encourage our Indigenous artists to get involved and make sure that they tender,” she said.

“We have got a really wonderful and strong Indigenous community in Ballarat who have already have already shown a wonderful artwork out the front.”

For artists looking to apply, Development Victoria will open expressions of interest through its website from next week.