The recipients of this year's Surf Coast Shire Council Arts Development Seed Fund were announced at Council's 24 June meeting, with two community projects granted $5,000 each.
In its third year, the Arts Development Seed Fund supports the development of collaborative art projects between Surf Coast Shire artists, local businesses and community organisations.
This year's theme 'Come Together: Sharing Space, Valuing Connection' reflects recent times where connection, sharing space and coming together was not always possible.
Artists were invited to create an outdoor event or activity to reconnect the community and celebrate our shared love of place.
The first successful recipient, the MOONAH Gathering project, is a two-week ephemeral art installation by Pattie Beerens, held in the Moonah Woodlands adjacent to Anglesea River.
The project will be part of the 10th Surf Coast Arts Trail launch, and feature a collaborative artwork by Beerens with an emerging artist (funded by Platform Arts), and will be documented by photographer Tom Radtke.
Cr Mike Bodsworth said the community will be invited to experience these still and moving works as part of MOONAH Gathering at Night.
"This is a fantastic local art event that will also encourage the community to connect around the ancient Moonah Woodlands learning more about this ecosystem."
"It embodies this year's themes about coming together, sharing space and valuing connection both to the surrounding woodlands and one another."
The second project funded, A Celebration Under the Yellow Gums, sees musician Lucy O'Grady partner with Jan Juc Live, to curate a celebratory launch of the new outdoor stage at Bob Petit Reserve.
Scheduled for October/November and focusing on engaging community groups connected to Jan Juc, Cr Bodsworth said it was another fantastic event for Council to support.
"One of the criteria is that the event activates public places to create vibrant, creative spaces that encourage community interaction and engagement."
"This live performance is a fabulous way to launch the new outdoor stage at Bob Pettitt Reserve and celebrate good people, great talent, in beautiful surrounds. It's about helping reconnect the community and celebrate where we live."
"The program recognises the importance of the arts and creative initiatives in responding to important issues and strengthening communities."
