Big award for art book

A BOOK on the history of art in Frankston has won a major award.

On Bunurong Country: Art and Design in Frankston was edited by University of Melbourne art historian Dr Jane Eckett and McClelland Gallery director Lisa Byrne. Last week it was awarded the “collaborative community history award” at the Victorian Community History Awards.

The award judges wrote that the book had “thrown light on the cultural and social history of greater Frankston, an area that has not been generally known for fine art and design. It is a very rich collaborative effort, with valuable contributions by a range of recognized experts in art and design and significant attention to First Nations Peoples history and culture. The book is a refreshing take on local history, viewed through the prism of art, and is beautifully presented. This excellent work has the potential to transform people’s perception about cultural heritage of greater Frankston and inspire young people living in the region.”

Essays in the book were authored by Andrew Gaynor, Philip Goad, Dr Bronwyn Hughes, Simon Lawrie, Dr Sheridan Palmer, Simon Reeves with Dr Jeffrey Turnbull, Linda Short, Dr Benjamin Thomas, and Dr David Tutchener.

The book was commissioned by McClelland Gallery. It can be purchased at its store or online at mcclelland.org.au/pages/on-bunurong-country-art-and-design-in-frankston