Ashmore Arts owner Stewart Guthrie has painted a promising picture of the local creative sector post-pandemic, underpinned by both artists and patrons supporting this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.
Artist registrations will open 16 March for the Surf Coast Arts Trail 10th Anniversary – Take 2! It comes after the 2021 event, which marked a decade of the Trail, was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“The Surf Coast Arts Trail is the pulse of the shire’s professional and community artists of all genres,” Mr Guthrie said. “If you’re a local artist, get involved. Register your studio or workspace, and show your talents to the people who will be your biggest supporters.”
Ashmore Arts – featuring 28 artists, 16 studios and four workshops against a stunning Spring Creek valley backdrop – is a must-do destination on the annual trail. The creative hub is eager to welcome people through its doors for this year’s event, to be held 6 and 7 August.
“Ashmore Arts, along with everyone, took some hits throughout the pandemic. In the creative arts sector, live performance primarily bore the brunt,” Mr Guthrie said.
“I am happy to say that most artists survived and with some savvy efforts, have set a platform to thrive. With favourable state and local government policy, we’re going to see some exciting new initiatives over the next few years, which will give the arts a well-needed boost.”
Surf Coast Arts Trail is an opportunity for Surf Coast artists to showcase their work and to open their studios and creative venues to thousands of visitors – from locals to internationals.
“With about 5000 patrons in 2019, this year’s Trail is sure to be a busy weekend,” said Mr Guthrie, who encouraged locals to attend the event in August.
“Invest in your local artists. Art reflects your culture, heritage and community. Everyone plays a part and you may just be surprised at the quality, diversity and strength that is already in your backyard.”
Cr Rose Hodge described the Surf Coast Arts Trail as a standout on the arts events calendar.
“It’s a rare opportunity to see first-hand the fabulous, diverse talent our region has to offer. To be able to chat with the artists in their studios and see so many mediums in the one event – pottery to blacksmithing, painting to jewellery, printmaking to woodworking, and much more – it’s incredible,” she said.
“This year will be pivotal in supporting local artists and creatives to recover from the impacts that COVID-19 has had on their business.”
Artist registrations for the 2022 Surf Coast Arts Trail are open from Wednesday 16 March to Saturday 30 April.
Local artists can register for the event and find out more information via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/artstrail.
Registration fees are $60 for an individual artist, $175 for community groups, and $550 for creative businesses with more than 10 artists.
