With social distancing measures in place due to COVID-19, the Surf Coast Arts Trail will take a different format this year.
(Not the) Surf Coast Arts Trail will instead be an online event with the theme 'physical distance/social connection'.
Rather than being a single event held over one weekend in August, (Not the) Surf Coast Arts Trail 2020 will consist of a series of smaller events staged over several weeks, expected to start in June. These events will include online interactive classes, workshops, virtual studio tours, performances and discussions.
Registrations for artists to take part have been extended until 5pm on 30 April.
Surf Coast Shire Cr Martin Duke said he was pleased the much-loved event was still going ahead in a new format.
"Rather than cancel, we see this as a fantastic opportunity to offer an alternative program that is still in keeping with the arts trail ethos of bringing artists and art lovers together," Cr Duke said.
"This is about adapting to the times. I think art is more important than ever right now. These online events are aimed at providing much needed enjoyment and perhaps some escapism for many in our community."
"Best of all everyone can take part from the comfort – and safety – of their living room."
Cr David Bell encouraged all types of local artists and creatives to get involved.
"With the theme of 'physical distance/social connection', it's a great opportunity to create something different and special that is uniquely relevant to our times," Cr Bell said.
"We're also encouraging individual and collaborative contributions from creatives beyond the visual arts on (Not the) Surf Coast Arts Trail this year – writers, musicians, poets, designers – we're all in this together."
"We'll be looking for great ideas for online events, collaborations and expressions of interest for 'meet the artist' online fireside chats and studio tours."
To register go to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/artstrail.
