Bathurst councillor Jacqui Rudge is hoping a $10,000 grant can provide a boost to the local arts industry which has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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On Wednesday night, Bathurst Regional Council approved to allocate $10,000 for Renew Australia to undertake a scoping study of the Bathurst CBD for the opportunity of utilising vacant floor space for community renewal, economic development and creative industries.
Cr Rudge is hoping the scoping study can help create opportunities for public art within a Renew Australia framework.
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"The entertainment and art industry was hit the hardest due to COVID-19," she said.
"Public art isn't just a mural on a wall, rather it encompasses all things from education to the community.
"I don't think Bathurst wants a mural on every wall but I think we need to engage and support our local artists. I hope this project can show what they can do and what we have on offer in terms of artists.
"If we can get people involved in tidying up shops that aren't being rented in the CBD and give exposure to these artists, I think it'll be great.
"I hope there can be art workshops in the CBD."
Cr Rudge is hoping that a number of public art projects can be delivered by July this year, including a light box installation at the TAFE precinct and a permanent installation at the forecourt of the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG).
The entertainment and art industry was hit the hardest due to COVID-19.
- Jacqui Rudge
As well, other activities include light the city workshops (an Indigenous youth project) at the Kelso Community Hub in April, with a funding application been made through museums and galleries.
There will also be a digital graphics community workshop in May and an animated workshop with Todd Fuller in May.
Initial research and consultation was undertaken by BRAG director Sarah Gurich and Renew Australia back in October, 2019.
"Bathurst is really supportive of its locals and their businesses and so is council," Rudge said.
"People like Sarah at BRAG are just not running a gallery but a number of cultural services in town."
The scoping study will be led by Renew Australia who will consult with key stakeholders including council, landlords and artists.
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