Hubs set for creative touch

STURT and Armstrong street’s new outdoor dining hubs are set to undergo a creative makeover.

After extending an expression of interest to the creative community of the region, the City of Ballarat hope to find a local visual artist to design decals for the hubs around town.

Having witnessed similar decorated outdoor hubs across Melbourne, mayor Daniel Moloney said this is a great way to utilise some of the region’s best creativity.

“There’s some really creative people who had a really awful run in 2020 and even 2021 for that matter and the arts industry was the first to take a hit,” he said. “It would be great to see their art used in a different way because we don’t want these people to leave town either.

“As someone with no artistic skill, I really admire those who do and I think it makes the city a happier, more attractive place to live, art can brighten your mood on a bad day.”

Although Cr Moloney said the criteria for the hub detailing isn’t specific, he’s excited to find a way to kick start the arts after such a hard year for the industry.

“We’re just throwing it out there to the visual arts community, see what they come up with,” he said.

“I’d also like us to find ways to support the performing arts, they missed out during this COVID period although it’s hard when you can’t have groups of people.

“If we start with the visual arts and progressively help the performing arts back too as people are hopefully start to get back together again.”

The hubs and accompanying decals are set to stay in place until 30 April.