Arts trail delivers $210k boost

THE Surf Coast Arts Trail has delivered a $210,000 winter windfall, drawing more than 15,000 visitors to celebrate and support the region’s creative talent.

Over the two-day event, held in August, 56 studios, galleries and community spaces came alive with the work of more than 200 artists.

A boon for local tourism, 43 per cent of the event’s patrons visited from outside the Surf Coast Shire, with some travelling from Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales to attend, while 61 per cent stayed overnight in the shire.

Cr Leon Walker said these figures highlight how valuable the much-loved arts trail has become.

“Aside from being such a warm, welcoming and inspiring community event, the trail brings significant economic benefits to our creative and wider business sectors, on what would otherwise likely be a pretty quiet winter weekend,” he said.

“And while the economic benefits are important, what can’t be measured is the joy, connection, satisfaction and motivation people took home from meeting and talking with so many of our talented artists.”

The Surf Coast Arts Trail has given the wider economy a boost, with visitors enjoying the trail, workshops and getting to explore the wider community. Photo: SUPPLIED

This year, 34 per cent of patrons visited the trail for the first time, while 10 per cent of the exhibiting artists were also new to the trail.

After the event, artists and visitors alike were asked by the Surf Coast Shire council to provide feedback on the trail.

“My favourite part about the weekend was the conversations with visitors and other artists,” said one participating artist.

Another expressed their joy and the excitement that was “buzzing” around their studio during the event, as visitors engaged with their art and shared ideas.

One visitor said the arts trail showcased “so many talented people in the community who you never hear about, while many of the event’s regulars highlighted their love for the trail.

“Just love coming every year; always mark it on my calendar,” one said.

The Surf Coast Arts Trail is held annually on the first weekend of August and displays an array of local work, connecting community, visitors, and artists.