A detail from Blackbutt artist Gus McAulay’s striking work “The Dreaming Tree”, which was exhibited at the Blackbutt Art Gallery in 2019 … Blackbutt has many talented artists, but currently lacks a long-term town plan for the arts as a whole

July 21, 2021

Blackbutt’s Avocado Festival want to draw up a community plan that will guide art-related activities in the Timbertown over the next five years.

The plan would be the first of its kind drawn up for any South Burnett town.

On Monday, the Avofest committee launched a 10-minute online survey to gather ideas not only from locals, but also from residents living elsewhere in the South Burnett.

Arts Project Officer Olivia Everitt, who will be compiling the survey feedback to formulate the community plan, will be holding face-to-face meetings with the public on Friday, August 6, at Blackbutt’s library in Hart Street.

She will also be available for online meetings by phone or via Zoom until the survey closes.

“This planning process will allow the Blackbutt community to determine its aspirations and vision for the arts over the next five years,” Olivia said.

“It enables us to pause and reflect on our existing strengths and future opportunities, and also put forward goals that will address gaps and provide direction.”

Potential projects include the Avocado Festival committee’s plans for a Big Avocado, and using the arts to generate more tourism into the area.

However, other projects that could potentially benefit include Blackbutt’s impending streetscape upgrade; town murals; and incorporating more arts-related activities into local festivals.

The Blackbutt plan follows closely on the heels of the South Burnett Regional Council’s recent adoption of an arts policy, and its plans to form a Regional Arts Advisory Committee to guide the development of the arts throughout the South Burnett.

The 10-minute online survey – which will remain open until 5:00pm on August 11 – can be completed here

Olivia can be contacted by phoning 0432-556-830.

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