Bellarine Arts Trail calls for artists

BARWON Heads Community Bank has jumped on both this year’s Bellarine Arts Trail, joining forces with the Barwon Heads Arts Council to deliver the event.

The Bellarine Arts Trail is a free visitor event during the Melbourne Cup long weekend in November, with more than 80 participating artists opening their studios and exhibition venues in Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, and Queenscliff.

First taking place in 2016, the event is the brainchild of Ocean Grove artist Kaz Shirley, and registrations for the 2024 arts trail open today (Friday, May 10).

The arts trail is set to grow this year and will be led by a g

roup of creatives on the newly formed Bellarine Arts Trail Committee working with the Barwon Heads Arts Council.

Barwon Heads Community Bank chair Damien O’Malley said the Barwon Heads Arts Council was a worthy community organisation with a long history of supporting the arts on the Bellarine.

“We welcome the opportunity to get behind the Bellarine Arts Trail 2024 and to support the Barwon Heads Arts Council in its efforts to help the Bellarine’s arts community grow and thrive.”

Organisers have put the call out for registrations from artists and creatives, from professionals to hobbyists interested in opening their studios or participating in group exhibitions in Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.

The Bellarine Arts Trail is very popular among artists and visitors, with thousands of visits across the event’s two days.

Barwon Heads Arts Council Committee acting president Libby Darcy said the organisation and its members greatly appreciated the support of the Barwon Heads Community Bank.

“We think this is the perfect fit for the event: our community bank supporting a community-led arts event.

“It’s a great opportunity for creatives and the community to connect and support the Bellarine’s rapidly emerging arts region.”

Artists including professionals and hobbyists are encouraged to apply.

Registrations close on June 10.

For more information or to complete the online registration form, head to bhac.org.au, email [email protected] or 0457 263 455.