Bega based folk band Helland High Water. Photo: Supplied.
In spite of bushfires, floods and COVID-19, art is alive and well in the Bega Valley Shire. A new digital arts showcase launched on Saturday (1 August), promoting the region’s artists, musicians and talent.
The Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) launched Art Month Sapphire Coast 2020, a digital celebration of artistic talent from the region, while the gallery itself hosts the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award exhibition which opens on today (3 August).
“Art Month Sapphire Coast 2020 is an event we planned to showcase the breadth of the enormous creative talent from across the region,” said BVRG director Iain Dawson.
The new BVRG digital program will include events, exhibitions, live performances, workshops, panel discussions, virtual artist studio visits, online tours and exclusive gigs.
The online event will be curated by Mr Dawson, who said it will promote an extensive art directory and showcase the arts sector’s rich, resilient and creative spirit. The digital event will be available to local, national and global audiences.
“Coming together as a digital celebration, Art Month will shine a light on our South Coast creatives and open access to our region’s cultural offerings all in one place,” he said.
“Bringing these artists together through a digital platform is an incredible opportunity for us to reach a national audience and really drive awareness and support for our artists, performers, musicians and makers based here in the Bega Valley Shire.
“As well as presenting artists’ wares and performances online, we have commissioned a series of unique events that will happen across the month of August.
“We are really looking forward to promoting our local creative industries at a time when they are struggling and not receiving the support they deserve. Also, it’s a time when our wider community is leaning into the arts to help them get through and understand what’s happening in these challenging times.”
The initiative is supported by funding received from Create NSW, Regional Arts NSW and Destination NSW.
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