The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting local artists and creatives to submit expressions of interest (EOI) for a new program called Cafe Galleries.
The program will provide opportunities for local creatives to exhibit their art in one of several local cafes in Greater Bendigo, including Hoo-gah, Beechworth Bakery, and PepperGreen Farm.
The Café Galleries program will be launched during the Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 - 1925 exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery (which opens on Saturday March 16).
Local selected artists will be required to include a signature piece that relates to one of three themes: City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit and La Boutique, alongside other original works.
Successful applicants will have artworks on exhibition in local cafes from Friday March 29 to Monday May 14, 2024.
Installation, sales enquiries, and insurance on artworks will be the responsibility of the artist.
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 tourists and within the creative community 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 City of Gastronomy in Australia, the Cafe Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand."
Important dates and information for applicants:
- Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Monday March 11, 2024
- Selected artists will be notified of the outcome on March 13, 2024
- Work will need to be installed by artist in the participating cafes between March 25 and March 28, 2024
- Cafe exhibitions will run from Friday March 29 to Monday May 14, 2024
- Work selected for exhibition must be suitably framed and ready to hang
- Artworks must remain on display for the duration of Café Galleries display dates
- Installation and removal of artwork will be the responsibility of the artist
- Selected artists will exhibit at their own risk
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.
