The Wimmera-Mallee region is set to become Australia’s largest outdoor gallery with a new project to create a silo art trail stretching 200km and linking some of Victoria’s smallest towns.
The Victorian Government will provide $200,000 towards the ambitious project, which will see renowned street artists transform disused grain silos in six small towns. “The Silo Art Trail is a ground-breaking project and an example of how creativity can revitalise a region and shape a new future for a community,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley.
The Silo Art Trail Project will create five new silo artworks which will border the Brim Silo (pictured) – a 30m high artwork which has attracted thousands of visitors to Brim each month since it was launched in January.
Led by the Yarriambiack Shire Council in partnership with Melbourne street art company Juddy Roller and Creative Director Shaun Hossack, the project will see artists working closely with community members including Traditional Owners to create large-scale silo artworks that reflect, or tell a story of, the local community.
North of Brim, silos in Patchewollock, Lascelles and Roseberry will be transformed – and to the south, Sheep Hills and Rupanyup will each welcome new artworks to their towns. Victorian street artists including Rone and Adnate will be part of the project, alongside Russian artist Julia Volchkova, with more artists to be announced.
The first silo in Patchewollock is now underway with street artist Fintan Magee. The remaining silos will be painted one by one in the months ahead with the full trail expected to be launched in mid-2017.
Each silo is expected to take approximately 14 days to paint. In addition to having the skills to undertake large-scale projects, the selected artists are required to hold specialist high risk machinery licences which enable them to work at the vast heights of the silos.
Funding for the project has been provided through the Government’s Creative State strategy which aims to strengthen the creative sector and put the creative industries at the forefront of the state’s future growth, prosperity and liveability.
“We are proud to support this project which acknowledges the agricultural heritage of the region while signalling a new creative direction,” said Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford. “The Brim project takes pride of place in the community and has already shown how one silo can stimulate growth for local businesses. The trail will build on this success while providing yet another reason to experience regional Victoria.”
Image: Guido van Helten’s Brim Silo Artwork – photo by Guido van Helten