Virtual gallery a masterpiece

A NEW app puts the AR in art, or more specifically, uses AR to showcase Bendigo’s best artists.

The Emporium Creative Hub has teamed up with local creatives to develop an augmented reality “ARt Trail”, taking smartphone users on a tour through the town’s Arts Precinct.

Hub manager David Hughes said there are 20 artworks placed at different creative venues, creating a mix of real-life and virtual experiences.

“This has been a really exciting project for us to work on, which has allowed us to upskill local artists, creating opportunities for collaboration and exploring new technology,” he said.

“Augmented reality works really well when the technology complements what is happening in the real world so it was important to us that users were taken to locations where an interesting in-person experience was also available.”

Users who visit all 20 locations and collect the “ARtworks” can go in the draw to win a physical signed work by one of the featured artists.

Local artist Kim Lowe said she was excited to be a part of the project, with her painting of parade dragon Sun Loong located at the Golden Dragon Museum.

“The Bendigo ARt Trail project gave me the opportunity to meet and work with other Bendigo artists and I am excited to see Bendigo’s reaction to our art AR art,” she said.

The project is one of several “place-making experiences” showcasing local art and is a “welcome addition” according to the City of Greater Bendigo’s Creative Communities coordinator Maree Tonkin.

“It’s so exciting to see another experience, along with Djaara Lights, No Longer on Mute and the Street Art self-guided walking tour, that lets people explore our creative city in a new interesting way,” she said.

To download the app, search Bendigo Art Trail in the app store.