Ten local artists and groups have been announced as recipients of Council's Arts and Culture Fund to deliver creative projects across Baw Baw Shire.
Now in its second year, the Arts and Culture Fund supports innovative arts initiatives responding directly to the needs of Baw Baw Shire's creative community.
The fund is designed to provide financial assistance while also helping build skills and confidence among local creatives, from emerging artists to established practitioners. This year saw a significant increase in interest, with 27 applications received, up from 15 in the program's first year.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson hosted a reception event on Monday evening to celebrate successful recipients and highlight the importance of the fund in strengthening the Shire's creative sector. East Ward Councillors Adam Sheehan and Brendan Kingwill were also in attendance recognising the valuable contribution of the arts to community wellbeing and identity.
Mayor Cr Wilson congratulated each successful recipient, stating their work is making a meaningful impact.
"Council is proud to support our local creatives and help provide opportunities for them to grow, connect and share their work with the community," Cr Wilson said.
"Projects span a diverse range of disciplines, including ceramics, mosaics, digital art, photography, music and the performing arts reflecting the depth of creativity across Baw Baw Shire.
"The artists and groups receiving funding are incredibly deserving, and this support will help them continue the valuable and inspiring work they contribute to our community."
Successful fund recipients include:
- WAS Gallery ($1,164) to expand into digital artforms through the purchase of a screen and media player, including showcasing a successful local experimental filmmaker.
- Committee for Drouin ($2,000) to create mosaic planter boxes for the Drouin Community Garden, led by local artist Janet Wyllie.
- Ruth Bruten ($1,300) to deliver accessible community ceramic workshops.
- West Gippsland Chorale ($2,000) to maintain its grand piano through tuning and repairs, ensuring high-quality performances.
- Fiddlesticks Performing Arts ($2,000) will produce a professional recording of original children's music by Jayne Neilson and local musicians.
- Warragul Camera Club ($1,600) will develop photo essays for exhibition, supported by a specialist workshop with guest presenters.
- Lauren Murphy ($2,000) will undertake advanced training in projection mapping, including mentoring with internationally recognised artist Yandell Walton.
- West Gippsland Community Radio ($1,744) will deliver the "Last Friday Music Club," showcasing live local music performances broadcast on 3BBR FM.
- The McCaffery Family ($2,000) to present Symphony of Love, an international call for orchestral compositions to be premiered locally.
- Warragul Heritage Preservation Association (Wesley of Warragul) ($1,600) to improve performance experiences through the purchase of portable stage risers.
At the reception event, Arts and Culture Advisory Committee member Joyce Agee reflected on the strong community advocacy behind the program and its early success, while previous recipient Hannah Comrie-Weston shared how the grant enabled her to record and release her first EP of original music.
The fund was established following strong advocacy from Council's Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, supported by widespread community backing. It also delivers on a key initiative from Council's Creative Communities Strategy 2023–2029, aimed at fostering innovative arts programs.
