ARTISTS are being invited to apply to sculpt the next bust for the Prime Minister\u2019s Avenue in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens.<\/p>\n
The 30th Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, is next in line to have a sculpture made, with an expression of interest for artists now open.<\/p>\n
Currently the Prime Ministers Avenue contains 29 bronze sculptures displayed on polished granite pedestals.<\/p>\n
The latest artwork, which was of Malcolm Turnbull, was unveiled at the end of last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prime Ministers Avenue is an absolute treasure of Ballarat and we know so many people understand its historical significance,\u201d said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d love to attract a nationally recognised artist to make the next contribution along the Avenue.\u201d<\/p>\n
A substantial donation to go towards the avenue has also been received and was made by resident B.R. Carlson.<\/p>\n
The funds will go towards the next four busts and is the first donation since the original donor, Richard Crouch.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be in receipt of such a donation is unbelievably generous and we can\u2019t thank the benefactor and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation enough,\u201d said Cr Hudson.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s reassuring to know the future is bright for the Avenue.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Prime Ministers Avenue was first opened in 1940 by Sir Winston Duggan with six busts initially unveiled.<\/p>\n
The sculptures are part of the City of Ballarat\u2019s public art collection which is worth more than $20 million.<\/p>\n