- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
An augmented reality app is breathing new life into Australia's largest outdoor art gallery, the Silo Art Trail, thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government's $2 million Regional Events and Innovation Fund.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula visited the Sheep Hills silo along the trail today to test the app which includes a voiceover from Wergaia elder Uncle Ron Marks, one of the local people depicted in the work by artist Adnate.
Providing an insight into the spirit of the Wimmera Mallee, the trail stretches over 200 kilometres from Rupanyup in the south to Patchewollock in the north and celebrates the region's people through a series of large-scale murals painted on grain silos.
Conceived in 2016, the project saw a team of renowned artists from Australia and around the world visit the region, meet with locals and transform each grain silo into an epic work of art, each one telling a unique story.
The augmented reality content is provided for each silo and can only be accessed by opening the app and scanning a marker on-site. Once activated, a portal appears through which users can access key information about the artwork and region, including voiceovers from key local figures.
The new app is part of the Wimmera Mallee Digital Innovation Project, which was funded through the Regional Events and Innovation Fund.
The Regional Events and Innovation Fund provided support to develop and deliver innovative local campaigns and a strong calendar of events to help bring visitors to our regions, support businesses to grow and create more jobs for locals.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"We're bringing this magnificent silo art to life through an augmented reality experience that allows visitors to take a deeper look into the artworks and the stories they tell."
"From Patchewollock to Brim, Sheep Hills and beyond, the Silo Art Trail is attracting thousands of tourists from around Victoria and further afield, and that is great news for the Wimmera and Mallee economies."
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
"Regional Victoria is a hub of creativity - we're proud to support these iconic installations that show that creativity off and tell the story of our Wimmera and Mallee regions."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
"There is nothing like our stunning silo art trail in the heart of the Wimmera, rich with history and culture and it is a privilege to see it get the attention it deserves."
