Artists and creatives on the Mornington Peninsula now have a new digital place to call home – the Shire’s brand-new arts and culture website. The website gives local artists an opportunity to promote their work and connect with audiences online.
But the online hub isn’t limited to arts professionals – anyone can access and enjoy activities, workshops, performances and events, from Peninsula Chamber Musicians’ live performance of Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 to online ukulele lessons and children’s collage workshops.
The website was launched as part of the recently adopted Arts and Culture Plan and is designed to advocate for and promote Peninsula based artists, arts organisations and creative practitioners. It also provides information about the Shire’s networking and professional development opportunities, grants and funding and other Shire initiatives in line with the Plan.
The arts industry has been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic. Venues, studios, education institutions and businesses have closed, depriving artists of income streams, and the community of creative experiences beneficial to their health and wellbeing.
Artists and arts audiences are moving online to connect with other creatives and new and old audiences. To enable this connection the Shire fast-tracked the development of the new website, with the goal of creating an online environment for the arts to flourish.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Councillor Sam Hearn said “If you are a Mornington Peninsula based artist, musician, maker, designer, craftsperson, arts company, arts organisation or creative business, we would love for you to join us online and register yourself or your organisation so we can help spread your message and promote your work. I also encourage everyone to stay in touch with what is happening with arts and culture on the Mornington Peninsula and subscribe to our e-newsletter.”
Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Panel, Red Hill Ward Councillor David Gill said “This website demonstrates immediate action from the Shire to assist the creative community in time of crisis. Communities need arts and culture more than ever: as a means for connection to people and place, creative fulfilment, education and entertainment.”
