Queenscliff Art Prize draws near

THE organiser of an exhibition coming to Queenscliff next month says it has the potential to become the largest outdoor art event in Australia.

Media Ink’s Chris McLeod is behind the Queenscliff Art Prize, which will feature works by Australian artists printed on aluminium panels attached to the Queenscliff pier between November and Easter.

Mr McLeod secured a permit from Parks Victoria to hold the free event on the pier, and said 86 of the 87 works were ready to go.

“The last is a portrait of my mother, which is being done by Elise Crookshank, who’s an artist on the Bellarine.”

He said Sculptures by the Sea in Bondi presently held the title of Australia’s largest outdoor art event, as it featured 100 outdoor artworks spread over three kilometres and attracted 500,000 visitors over three weeks.

“In Queenscliff, we will have nearly 90 works – so, pretty close – a bit more convenient, wheelchair-friendly, a fantastic backdrop, and it’ll run for six months. So not being too generous with the math, but I think it’ll attract a lot of people.”

Mr McLeod said he commissioned major event specialist Silver Lining Strategy to evaluate the financial benefit of the Queenscliff Art Prize to Queenscliff and the greater Bellarine, which was estimated at about $350,000.

“I think the positive impact for the community will be really substantial.

“The positive impact for the galleries will be fantastic, because the art isn’t available for sale on the pier, and if it’s a windy day on the pier and everyone gets a bit wet, they’ll walk up the street and find a gallery.”

Mr McLeod applied for event funding from the Borough of Queenscliffe and received a letter of support from Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine executive director Brett Ince, but was unsuccessful.

“Given the impact the spate of lockdowns has had on so many small businesses in regional Victoria, I would have expected that this free COVIDSafe outdoor art event would have been endorsed by the Queenscliffe council in much the same way that it was by Brett Ince,” he said.

“It is a very disappointing outcome as it was my desire to make a valuable contribution to Queenscliff as it has been the home of my extended family since the 1850s.”

A spokesperson for the borough said council sponsorship involved public funds, so supporting events “requires applicants to achieve a minimum level of transparency and accountability”.

“This means applications need to include key details like an event program, a governance structure, a proposed budget, and a tangible benefit to the community.

“Council also assesses applications on their ability to integrate effectively with local businesses and other events, and the size of the funding request in proportion to Council’s total sponsorship budget.

“Applications that do not meet these thresholds are often unsuccessful. Council makes available support services to help applicants understand the requirements of the application process.”