The 10thanniversary Surf Coast Arts Trail will be launched in a special outdoor event on the Anglesea Riverbank on Friday 6 August from 5.15pm – 6.45pm, before the Arts Trail visits 70+ studios on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August.
"It's an exciting time for arts in the Surf Coast Shire and this launch will be a time to recognise the power of the arts not only to bring communities back together after a crisis, but also to bring others to our place," said Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton. "This Arts Trail is a chance to share our creative coast and hinterland region with people from all over Australia who come to the events."
As part of the Arts Trail launch, the community is invited to gather around the fire-pits among the Anglesea riverbank Moonahs to witness a spectacular collaborative performance from much-loved local artists Pattie Beerens, Thaedra Frangos, Lucy O'Grady and Eamon Dooley.
This special performance will be preceded by a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
The inspiration for the launch event was to bring people back together to celebrate the creativity within the Surf Coast Shire and to encourage local site-specific work in the stunning natural environment.
"The breadth of work in this year's Arts Trail will be interesting not only for the artworks themselves, but also showing the work that can be produced when we are forced to know our own backyards better than ever before during lockdowns," said Mayor Stapleton. "I'm looking forward to seeing what effect the last 12 months will have on the artwork produced after hearing some heartwarming stories from artists during Council's PORTAL presentations."
Meet at the Anglesea Moonahs, next to the Visitor Information Centre on the Great Ocean Road, with your umbrella and winter woollies to experience the launch event, followed by a champagne opening at the Anglesea Memorial Hall on McMillan Street at 7pm for the 35th Annual Art House Exhibition.
