Artists create a Birds Eye View in Wedderburn

Birds-Eye-Mural-Project-Danny-Pearson-Andrew-J-BourkeVictorians have a new reason to hit the road with the final touches being made to a spectacular series of large-scale murals in the rural town of Wedderburn.

Minister for the Creative Industries Danny Pearson visited Wedderburn this week to have a preview of the Birds Eye View Mural Project and meet with the artists and locals involved in bringing it project to life.

“This artwork captures the heart and soul of Wedderburn – showcasing artistic talent for locals and visitors to soak up and enjoy,” said Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson.

“As Victoria’s economy continues to bounce back, we are making cultural tourism a top priority – not only to support our creative sector but to see local towns and communities thrive.”

The series features five largescale murals by acclaimed mural artists Andrew J Bourke, Jimmy Dvate and Bryan Itch on the main street as well as the façade of the local church.

The murals celebrate the unique birdlife of the surrounding conservation area – a biodiverse habitat for 180 of Australia’s indigenous bird species, twenty of which are listed as endangered.

Forming an ‘open-air gallery’, Wedderburn’s new mural series aims to attract visitors from across Victoria and highlight the important work being undertaken to preserve of the birdlife.

Wedderburn is located between the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail and the North East Victorian Silo Art Trail, making it the perfect stopover for visitors to add to their itinerary and see all three.

The Birds Eye View Mural Project is supported through the Victorian Government’s Creative Activation Fund, a program that supports the development and delivery of ambitious creative projects that aim to increase visitation and become cultural tourist attractions.

Other regional projects include neon artworks to light up the streets of Bendigo and tell dreaming stories of the Dja Dja Wurrung people; a seventh addition to the lauded Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail in St Arnaud; and a mural inspired by flora and fauna of Barmah National Park.

Seven projects have been supported through this program so far, with funding totalling over $900,000. For more information on the Creative Activations Fund, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.

Image: Minister for Infrastructure and Creative Industries Danny Pearson with mural artist Andrew J Bourke (supplied)