Pathways to art made possible

EXPRESSIONS of interest for a program to help creatives produce art steeped in Moorabool culture closes next week.

Expressions of interest for Hide+Seek Pathways are open until 5pm, Monday 29 June.

The program is open for all artists, musicians, writers, performers and collectives linked to the region, offering assistance in the creation of their practices, ideas and careers.

The pathways are intended to assist the making of new, place-based artistic work grounded in the stories, histories and living cultures of Moorabool Shire and to help artists to progress compelling, viable proposals for potential commissioning as part of Hide + Seek Festival 2027.

Hide + Seek Festival is a vibrant celebration every two years, using music, art, nature and food.

Moorabool Shire Council programs the festival through expressions of interest along with curating key events.

The 2024 festival saw a wide array of musicians, artists and writers perform and exhibit work.

This work was presented across many of the shire’s towns.

Last week, the council announced a new artist development opportunity, inviting proposals to work with arts leader, writer and theatre director Dr Donna Jackson.

The program will run from next month to October this year. It will comprise six in-person and online mentoring sessions Jackson will deliver alongside guest contributions from the council.

It will culminate on Saturday 24 October, when participants pitch their developed project proposals.

Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said the pathways focused on the shire’s stories, histories and living culture.

“(This program) is not focused around a single art form or discipline,” Cr Venditti-Taylor said.

“Hide+Seek Pathways will foster greater capacity, expertise and peer connection.”

More information can be found at moorabool.vic.gov.au