SCAS to join Arts Trail as co-producer

Left to right: Members of SCAS Inc Virginia Aldred (secretary), Ron Talbot (vice president), Carolyn Mustard (treasurer), Sally Groom (president) and Daniela Rodriguez (Hoop Gallery exhibition coordinator). Photo: SUPPLIED

A LEADING community art organisation will play a pivotal role in delivering this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.

The Surf Coast Shire has announced Torquay-based Surf Coast Arts Space Inc (SCAS) will act as a co-producer for this year’s Arts Trail on August 6 to 7, assisting in delivering a new model to engage the wider community.

“SCAS Inc. is very excited to co-produce the 2022 Surf Coast Arts Trail with Surf Coast Shire Council,” SCAS president Sally Groom said.

“It is fitting that on the 10th Anniversary of the Arts Trail, council works with a community-run organisation to co-produce the event.”

The SCAS will create buzz for this year’s Arts Trail by coordinating a preview exhibition scheduled to take place from June 7 to 26, the space’s first act as co-producer in the lead-up to the yearly Arts Trail.

Surf Coast Arts Trail 2022 will feature the works of more than 200 local artists following last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19.

Shire mayor Cr Libby Stapleton said council was in need of a co-producer as a result of the Trail’s growth in recent years.

“We’re delighted to work with SCAS Inc to pilot a delivery model for the Surf Coast Arts Trail 10th Anniversary – take two,” Cr Stapleton said.

“Being a co-producer of the event is going to provide invaluable skills development and employment opportunities for local arts workers.

“We love when the community takes ownership of events, and this is exactly what the pilot program hopes to achieve.

“It also aligns perfectly with our strategy to foster an environment where people with clever and creative ideas can make a difference in their community.

“We know that the 2022 event will be pivotal in supporting local artists and creatives to recover from the impacts of COVID-19,” Cr Stapleton concluded.

“To be able to open their studios and creative venues to thousands of visitors – from locals to internationals – is going to be extra special.”

Artist registrations for the Arts Trail close Saturday, April 30.

To register head to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/artstrail.