The City of Greater Bendigo's $40,000 Creative Recovery Activation Fund has led to over 14 new creative projects being developed with more planned to support artists and creatives.
The local arts and creative industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Recovery Activation Fund was set up last October to provide opportunities for creatives to maintain and grow their skills and support those who have been unable to work due to cancelled public events and the closure of venues.
Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O'Sullivan said the City grants of up to $3,000 were made available and the response to the call out from creatives was strong.
"The brief was to support the local creative economy and activate our public spaces and we received many imaginative and innovative ideas from applicants," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"I'm delighted that many of these events and activation ideas have now come to fruition for the community to enjoy with more scheduled over the coming months."
Some of the Love Your Local Creative events coming up include 'Dear Bendigo' which invites community members to inspire, thank, congratulate or highlight their favourite part of Bendigo. It will take place tomorrow, Friday February 12, between 11am and 4pm at the Emerge Cultural Hub at the Beehive Building on Pall Mall. People are asked to write their message then step in front of the camera and display it. Photographer and artist Michelle Dunn will record the contributions to create a projection that will be screened in a Bendigo window space soon.
To celebrate Valentine's Day on Sunday February 14, Paganini in the Park will be held at the Garden for the Future at 2pm, a chamber music pop-up performance from Ruby Shirres, Cally Bartlett and Ann Begg. The program will feature Paganini's Terzetto Concertante for viola, cello and guitar. Entry is free.
