Helping hands wanted for arts trail weekend

ART lovers are being urged to step behind the scenes of one of the region’s most popular cultural events, with volunteers sought for this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.

Volunteers will support artists, venues and visitors across the weekend, helping welcome patrons, assist with activities and carry out tasks such as tracking visitor numbers and collecting survey responses.

Shifts are a minimum of three hours and a working with children certification is required.

The Surf Coast Shire will stage the 15th annual trail on 1–2 August, showcasing hundreds of artists from the hinterland to the coast.

Cr Liz Pattison said volunteers played an important role in shaping the event’s atmosphere.

“Our calling on volunteers is all about magnifying the welcoming warmth of this great event for patrons, and helping free up the star attractions – the artists – to focus more on sharing their art and techniques,” she said.

“We would like our volunteer supporters to become just as much a part of the event as the artists, and if you are an art lover, what a great way to immerse in your passion for a few hours and help out at the same time.”

Volunteers do not have to live in the shire or be connected to a participating artist. Training will be provided.

Last year’s event featured more than 200 artists across 56 venues and attracted more than 15,000 visitors, generating more than $210,000 in sales.

More information, including how to register, is available via the Surf Coast Shire website or by contacting the council’s arts team on 5261 0600.