The Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail – Open Studios Event will now be held over a 3-day weekend at the end of October.
The Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail – Open Studios Event will now be held over a three-day weekend at the end of October. Organiser Rosy Chapman will be meeting with James Lister, Member for Southern Downs at his Stanthorpe office Friday 12 June at 3pm to discuss a recovery plan to build economic resilience and diversity in these challenging times.
This year marks the second inauguration of the arts festival which will provide a fully immersive experience of the rich tapestry of culture, talent, history and artefacts in the region.
Member for Southern Downs James Lister says,
“We are thrilled that this event can now proceed. There will be a three-day, COVID-sensitive event opening at 10am on Friday 30 October and closing on Sunday 1 November at 4pm.
“We’ve already witnessed what the arts trail is doing for the Granite Belt’s economy and bringing our community together.
“Last year, over 27 venues hosting over 50 artisans participated, with an average of 60 visitors per venue, some local, many from outside of the region. The October 2019 event diversified our economic base and delivered community well-being.
“Rosy and I have been working collaboratively with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to garnish financial support for staging the event through the Tackling Tough Times Together Grant Program. It helps grassroots community organisations support local economic recovery,”.
Organiser Rosy Chapman was inspired by the Silo Art Trail, which resulted in international media attention, an influx of tourists to the region, and expansion of the trail into a 200-kilometre-long outdoor art gallery. Today the Silo Art Trail has expanded into SA, NSW, WA and Qld, and delivers ongoing benefits to tourism in each region.
“In 2020, so many Australians are looking to holiday here this year in support of regional economies. It’s so beautiful up here now and it seems that this will be the year of road trip adventures for many Australians.
“Your passport to creativity is here on the Granite Belt! You'll discover a variety of local artists at GBART 2020 as they take up residence in community spaces. Inspired by the Small Halls Festival, we’ve also invited our beautiful small local community halls to join in the fun.
“You can enrol in a class; you can watch a demonstration and you can get in and have a go. It is a great opportunity to get behind the scenes of creativity and be engaged in art yourself.
“The groundswell of community support has been incredible. Last year we had 27 venues participating, 16 individual artists and nine creative collectives.”
The Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail – Open Studios Event follows a trail map to discover a variety of local artists, as they exhibit at studios and galleries as well as taking up residence in community spaces.
Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail
When: Friday 30th October 2020 - Sunday 1st November
Where: Stanthorpe and surrounding Granite Belt villages
Time: Open 10am-4pm and by appointment
Contact: Rosy Chapman - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Phone: 0417 727 997
