Creative placements cook up food and art

FIVE local creatives will work on projects with five gastronomy-based businesses and organisations as part of a new residency program.

The Creative Gastronomy Residency Program was established as part of Bendigo’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status.

City of Greater Bendigo director of strategy and growth Steve Hamilton said the program aims to combine food with creativity.

“I wish to congratulate the five creatives who have been selected for the City-funded residencies at these inspiring businesses and organisations,” he said.

“The program lasts for three months and includes a variety of mediums including design, drawing, sculpture, film and technology.

“The program has been designed to nurture the region’s creative talent providing time, space, mentorship, financial support and professional development for the creation of new work, research and to produce creative projects in collaboration with local businesses and organisations,” Mr Hamilton said.

Textile artist Natalie Ryan has been partnered with Silver Spoon Estate, filmmaker Paul Fletcher with Bendigo TAFE’s Food and Fibre Centre for Excellence, painter Aleshia Ng with Peppergreen Farm, visual artist Anne Tweed with Bendigo Agricultural Show Society, and sculptor Andre Sardone with Bridgeward Grove.

Sardone said he has already been inspired by the red-breasted robin that appears at Bridgeward Grove at the start of picking season.

“It stands out so much in the landscape and it really struck me as a sign that that could be a good way to go,” he said.

“My recent direction has been creating birds out of steel using recycled materials.”

Sardone, who has sculptures installed at sites across Central Victoria, said the residency will give him time and a reason to create a collection of work.

“My sculptures are long-lasting so when it’s installed somewhere it’s going to be there for a long time,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to drive past and visit my work and have it appreciated by the community.”