Pencil in the date for this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail

THE region’s buzzing creative community will open their studio doors this August as part of the eighth annual Surf Coast Arts Trail.

Locked in for August 10 and August 11, this year’s trail will see art enthusiasts visit 10 new venues joining favourites from the event’s previous instalments.

A weekend long celebration of the Surf Coast’s increasingly dynamic talents, the trail serves as an opportunity to witness artists in action at about 50 locations scattered across the region.

Mayor Rose Hodge said the Arts Trail is a fantastic occasion to see artists and studios demonstrating their crafts.

“Over the past eight years, the Arts Trail has provided a unique experience for art lovers,” Cr Hodge said.

“There’s something special about visiting an artist in their creative space, not to mention being able to speak personally with them about what drives their work. Many people gain inspiration and insight into an artwork by seeing the artist in their studio. There’s also often a chance to share a friendly chat with the artist while you visit.”

This year’s event will see the launch of a new interactive digital map that can be used in addition to the printed version which will be available from early July.

The digitised map will allow each visitor to design their own trail and discover artists based on location, artwork medium or other neighbouring attractions.

It will also remain online post-event, giving artists a platform to promote their work and studios throughout the year.

“Council is pleased to be able to support the creators of this region through events such as the Arts Trail, and with the addition of a digital map, we’re hoping to improve the experiences of both artists and visitors,” Cr Hodge said.

For more information on the Arts Trail and the artists participating in this year’s event, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/artstrail.