Heathcote’s creative community and artists are celebrated in a beautiful book, Creative Heathcote, which will be launched at a special presentation in Heathcote tonight with the Mayor.
Creative Heathcote has been produced by artist and publisher Susie Marcroft from Heathcote’s Mudwood Studio with support from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Creative Communities team.
The book profiles visual artists, musicians, poets, writers, actors, performers, writing and film and creatives from amateurs to established artists who present work nationally and internationally.
The publication also features community groups and arts venues, including those involved in Heathcote’s food and wine industry, accommodation, and local experiences that have a commitment to support and present local creative acts and arts initiatives.
Bendigo Venues & Events Coordinator Creative Communities Maree Tonkin said the City was delighted to get involved in the project as part of its commitment to creative arts in Heathcote and venues that support the local arts sector.
“Creative Heathcote captures the local creative underbelly of this regional town with stunning images and wonderful creative profiles,” Ms Tonkin said.
“It is a perfect way to inform audiences of where works or performances can be viewed, experienced, and enjoyed in Heathcote.
“It is hoped this book will also be of value to visitors and others looking to discover and engage with local artists.
“It is also an inspiration for others who may be thinking of pursuing their own artistic endeavours.
“Arts and culture build communities, and it is hoped this publication supports the creative community in Heathcote.
“The publication is a joy to browse with the creatives seen within the context of their artistic pursuits in the historical goldfields and wine-growing township of Heathcote and surrounds.
“It acknowledges the contribution these artists and other creatives make to this community with surprise, delight and thought-provoking experiences.”
The 36 artists and arts groups responded to an expressions of interest last May and those included encompass the visual arts, crafts, performing arts, writing and film.
As part of the criteria to be featured, creatives had to live in Heathcote, practise their art form consecutively for at least three years and have their work shown publicly through a gallery space, open studio, venue, or publication.
Some of the work created is directly inspired by the sights, sounds and people of this region. Other works are inspired by practices grounded in thinking, making, and creating from broader perspectives.
Creative Heathcote is a free publication, and hard copies will be available at arts and tourism locations in Heathcote shortly. For a digital version, please visit the Bendigo Venues and Events website.