Surf Coast Arts celebrates 25 years

The group is run by a committee of volunteers and are independent of government, with a funding stream set up to support arts makers and organisers.

To celebrate their milestone, they are following up their annual general meeting (AGM) on November 17 with a public event at the Bellbrae Hall.

Surf Coast Arts president Caroline Hawkins said the group had a lot planned for their celebration.

“We’re having people that have been involved over the years come do some mini performances.

“We’re having some singing, some dancing, ‘Artrageous’ costumes, and a pop-up art exhibition that anybody who comes to the event can bring a piece of art to put on display.”

SCA invites people with interests in any of the arts, including, dance, theatre, photography and music.

Kyla Beale co-ordinates the Cowrie Markets that Surf Coast Arts have been running for more than 20 years. She said the group had changed a lot since its inception, but still had similar aims.

“There’s been quite a lot of different people involved, but there’s the same passion for supporting each other in the arts.

“It was started by a group of young artists who had left uni and really missed that interactive support that you got at uni.”

The group was initially called Talking Art. They rented out a venue where they held exhibits and performing arts shows.

In addition to the Torquay Cowrie Market, Surf Coast Arts events include ArtspOt Exhibition, Surf Coast Film Society, Wear ARTrageous, Aireys Art in the Park and Singing 4 Fun.

Ms Hawkins said being on the Surf Coast Arts committee was ideal for “anybody that’s got a passion for a project, it’s the ideal place to see it come to fruition.”

Not all committee members practice arts, as some simply have an interest in the arts and seeing them thrive in the community.

The AGM will start at 5pm with the festivities beginning afterwards at 5.30pm, with food and wine provided.

If you are interested in being part of the SCA committee or attending the celebration, head to surfcoastarts.com.