May 21, 2021
Blackbutt Avocado Festival has received funding to kickstart an arts initiative in the Blackbutt community later this year.
The “Blackbutt Shopfront Arts Trail” project has been awarded $4242 from the Federal Government’s Regional Arts Fund.
It will commission six local artists to create artwork to be displayed in Blackbutt CBD businesses.
The announcement follows funding in March from FRRR’s “Tackling Tough Times Together” program to hire a dedicated Arts Project Officer for 12 months.
South Burnett-based arts worker Olivia Everitt was appointed to the role in April.
“This funding further emphasises our focus in delivering more opportunities to the Blackbutt arts sector and community arts access,” Blackbutt Avocado Festival president Jeff Connor said.
“The committee welcomes this support from the Regional Arts Fund for the ‘Blackbutt Shopfront Arts Trail’ and believes that it will generate economic and social benefit for our town. This is a fantastic opportunity to display locally produced artwork for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike.”
Ms Everitt said the investment from the Regional Arts Fund was a kickstart to an exciting time for the arts in Blackbutt.
“This funding enables us to roadtest a local arts initiative at the 2021 Avocado Festival, and I look forward to working with the committee and broader Blackbutt community to attract investment for other arts projects into the future.”
Expressions of interest for participating artists and businesses will open in June.
The exhibition of commissioned works will be installed in the Blackbutt community in conjunction with Blackbutt’s Avocado Festival on September 11.
