Golden opportunity for artists

GOLDEN Plains Shire’s municipal buildings are set to become a rotating platform for the region’s creatives with the launch of the Golden Spaces initiative.

Having kicked off the inaugural winter exhibit at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Saturday, the current display features works from 24 of the region’s artists.

With the pieces to also be presented at Smythesdale’s The Well, and the Golden Plains Civic Centre in Bannockburn, expressions of interest are now open for local creatives to take part in the summer exhibit.

Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham encouraged the region’s artists to get involved.

“Golden Spaces is a vibrant hub where the creativity of our artistic community can shine and their stories come to life,” he said.

“I urge local artists and creative practitioners to seize this opportunity to be part of a professional exhibit that engages both locals and visitors.”

The initiative’s debut summer exhibit is expected to launch at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Thursday 19 December, with successful submitters to be notified of their involvement in October.

The exhibition will then be on display for 12 months, with the works rotating between the municipality’s facilities.

Cr Cunningham said the shire’s venues are ideal locations for public art.

“The Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well in Smythesdale and the Golden Plains Civic Centre provide secure, supportive and culturally engaging environments for the local artistic community to exhibit their creative works,” he said.

“Exhibitors have the opportunity to sell their works, and their works are also featured in a professional exhibition catalogue. There is also the opportunity to deliver artist talks and attend official launch events.

“Ultimately, the exhibitions will facilitate fair access to cultural resources while supporting and strengthening the capacity of artists to engage with the Golden Plains community.

“There will be two opportunities to apply for Golden Spaces throughout the calendar year.”

The EOI period ends at 5pm on Friday 30 August. To submit, visit the municipality’s website.