MOORABOOL desperately needs a new public arts space to showcase works valued at more than $50,000 locked away in storage, a council curator says.
While volunteer Lou Callow (pictured) concedes art can be viewed as a luxury by councils during tough economic times, she says an official art gallery would be an important part of the shire’s culture.
“It wouldn’t have to be a brand new building; we just need to use an appropriate building or room,” she says.
Mayor Pat Griffin, chairman of a recently formed Tourism Moorabool arts sub-committee, says there are concept plans for a new art space for publicly owned works, but it is years away from being built.
The council owns more than 60 works which are held in various storage areas.
In the meantime, Mrs Callow hopes to display some works at the council’s offices.
“The longer you have art in storage, the more it will deteriorate. It’s important that the public own this collection,” she says.
“What’s the point of having art if you don’t celebrate it?”
The sub-committee will draft an arts acquisition policy to better protect and promote art.
