YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE COUNCIL Hopetoun Powerhouse Project

The Hopetoun Powerhouse originally opened in 1913 as Hopetoun's Power Supply. An iconic but disused building located in the heart of Victoria's silo art trail, the Hopetoun Powerhouse has been transformed into an art studio and exhibition space combined with modern accommodation. When not in use as a studio retreat, gallery, or workshop venue, the revived historical building acts as a lodging, providing a welcome retreat to weary travellers.

Providing opportunities for people within north-western Victoria and visitors to the region to develop, visit, participate in, and explore the arts, the revival of this building was part of a series of projects that aimed to enhance art and culture across the Yarriambiack Shire Council municipality. Vic Track investment into the development of the Woomelang Railway Station, the Patchewollock Railway Station, and the development of the Warracknabeal former Court House building, has been part of an overarching plan to capitalise on historical buildings within the Shire to promote arts and culture within the region.

The Powerhouse's new life as an art studio provides artists with a versatile space to relax, create, and find inspiration from the surrounds, from the nearby silo art and neighbouring towns to the shores of Lake Lascelles. The project brought together a community that was feeling disillusioned coming out of pandemic lockdowns with widely embraced arts and culture programs offering positive social wellbeing outcomes.

There have since been a diverse range of arts projects and installations utilising the Powerhouse and employing artists across varying mediums. Residencies have been attracting art-loving visitors to Hopetoun through exhibitions, installations, and broadly by contributing more attractions to the town. Meanwhile, they have provided a new tool for arts education while promoting the town as a tourism destination.