To celebrate the Bendigo Art Gallery's latest exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 - 1925, the City of Greater Bendigo has launched the Café Galleries project to provide local creatives with an opportunity to exhibit their art in cafes across Bendigo.
Café Galleries runs until Tuesday May 14, 2024, with selected artists asked to include one artwork that depicts one of three themes - City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit or La boutique - to hang alongside other original pieces.
Twenty local artists applied through an EOI process, with 10 of those artists selected to showcase their works in seven local venues.
Cafe: Beechworth Bakery - High St
Artist: Karen McDougall
Cafe: Peachy - View St
Artist: Heidi Franklin
Cafe: Get Naked Espresso - White Hills
Artist: Steve Pole
Cafe: Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates - Fountain Court
Artist: Kellie McAllister
Cafe: HooGah - Fountain Court
Artists: Lyn Raymer, Christopher Duffy
Cafe: PepperGreen Farm - Thunder St
Artists: Frankie O, John Daniels
Cafe: Fox & Giraffe - Bridge St
Artists: Wes Franklin, Linda Hermens
Lyn Raymer will be onsite at HooGah every Wednesday and Friday between 1pm-3pm to sketch café scenes.
City of Greater Bendigo Creative Industries Officer Mandy Field said the program was a great opportunity for artists and creatives.
"By displaying artworks in public settings, artists and creatives can raise their profile and promote their work in the community, to visiting tourists and within the creative sector," Ms Field said.
"The program is a great way to support local creatives and artists with an opportunity to sell displayed artworks and attract potential commissions.
"As Bendigo is the first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy in Australia, the Café Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand."
Greater Bendigo continues to build a strong reputation for its public art, street art, and thriving arts and creative industries.
Café Galleries is aligned with the Council Plan Mir wimbul 2021-2025 and its commitment to create a vibrant creative community, activate spaces, provide support for talent, and champion inclusion and access for creatives.
