Art exhibition to raise funds for The MAC

AN EXHIBITION now on show in Anglesea is raising funds for the future home of art on the Surf Coast.

More than 40 local artists have contributed 80 works to the inaugural Surf Coast Art Space Inc fundraising exhibition, which opened on Friday last week.

The exhibition, now on show at the Anglesea Arts Space, includes works by well-known local artists Geoffrey Carran, Ferne Millen, Natalie Martin, Raymond Wilson and Kathryn Junor.

The Surf Coast Art Space Inc committee is seeking funds to operate the new community-driven not-for-profit gallery space as part of the Multipurpose Art Centre (The MAC) in Torquay, and a percentage of sales at the exhibition will go towards these running costs.

“While we are very appreciative of the council and Regional Development Victoria’s generous support in providing a space for local visual and performing artists and audiences, we still need funds to pay for rent, utilities, insurance, and everyday costs, as well as to further develop the gallery space and hopefully employ an exhibition co-ordinator,” Surf Coast Art Space Inc committee president Sally Groom said.

“These costs are already being incurred, although the refit of the former sport and recreation centre has not yet begun.”

The new gallery will operate alongside the new theatre space managed by Torquay Theatre Troupe, to be known as Shoestring Playhouse.

The gallery will provide local artists with a dedicated space to exhibit and sell works and to network, as well as provide visitors and the local community the opportunity to meet artists.

“We have a rich pool of talented artists in the region,” Ms Groom said.

“It’s great to have a dedicated space to promote their work and support their practices.

“The fundraiser exhibition is a great way of not only helping artists, but supporting the long-planned new gallery space as it comes to fruition.”

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Monday, April 26, at Anglesea Art Space, 2/103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea.