The Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail Open Studios Event will be held over two huge weekends in October and early November 2020. 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.
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 South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, and delivers ongoing benefits to tourism in each region.
“When I realised what an arts trail could do for the Granite Belt’s economy and bringing our community together, I was determined to give it my best shot! In 2020, so many Australians are looking to holiday here this year in support of regional economies. It’s so beautiful and green up here now and it seems that this will be the year of road trip adventures for many Australians. Tourism Queensland has just launched $2 million campaign showcasing to Australians why Queensland is a beautiful place to holiday here this year, and the Granite Belt has a starring role,” Chapman said.
“Your passport to creativity is here on the Granite Belt! You’ll discover a variety of local artists, as they exhibit at studios and galleries as well as taking 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 26 venues participating, 16 individual artists and nine creative collectives,” she said.
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