Artisan fair gets boost

THE State Government has put its support behind Bendigo’s Lost Trade Fair, scheduled for March this year.

Last week, local State members Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards announced the fair will share in a part of the State Government’s $20 million Regional Arts Fund.

Ms Allan said the event attracts thousands of visitors from across the state.

“We back events like the Lost Trades Fair because they encourage visitors from across the state to experience the best of Bendigo and they also support local jobs,” she said.

The two-day festival is scheduled for 19 and 20 March and features over 150 artisans demonstrating and exhibiting their “lost arts, rare trades and forgotten crafts of yesteryear” such as metal and glass, stone, clay and wax, wood, textiles and decorative arts.

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Bendigo for the Lost Trades Fair in 2022 and we thank the Victorian Government for helping us put on a great event in regional Victoria,” said event director Lisa Rundell.

According to the State Government, over 20,000 people attended the fair the last time the event ran in 2020, with 70 per cent coming from outside Bendigo.

“The Lost Trades Fair celebrates our talented makers and creators and has a strong track record of attracting thousands of visitors from all over the state to Bendigo for this unique event,” said Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards.

The State Government is also hoping visitors to the fair will spend at least one night in the region to boost sales at hotels, restaurants and shops.

The event will coincide with Bendigo Art Gallery’s launch of the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition.

Note: A previous version of this article said the event was to receive $20 million from the Regional Arts Fund. This was incorrect.