Bellarine Times
Tuesday 1 March 2011
VOL 4. No 9
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
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Wallington Primary School students, Ethan and Eliza, are looking forward to their school’s Strawberry Fair this Sunday. The great day out at Wallington will start at 10am with food, rides, entertainment and fun continuing until 4pm. Turn to the education pages for more information.
ART COLONY Photo: ALISON MARTIN
Push begins for a permanent artists’ colony on the Bellarine
BY ALISON MARTIN THE OPPORTUNITY to buy an historic property near Drysdale has inspired a vision to establish a permanent artists’ colony on the Bellarine. Committee for Bellarine chairman, Graeme Smith, has prepared a business case to acquire historic country estate, Soho, to create a unique and iconic arts precinct “Soho has the potential to become a valuable arts and entertainment facility that will attract a variety of artistic pursuits and social events,” he said. “A buyer for Soho has not yet been found and while the vendors are keen to sell, the Committee
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for Bellarine (CfB) has a proposal to explore every opportunity to acquire this magnificent facility for the long term benefit of the Bellarine.” Smith said the committee’s business case outlined the exciting possibilities for the development of the property and included a vision for the arts precinct. The committee believes the creation of a high quality community facility and development of Soho as a cultural landmark would promote wider regional investment, development and economic growth on the Bellarine. The business proposal anticipates the artists’ colony would be financially viable and selfsufficient in respect to annual operating costs, while
offering a wide range of arts, cultural and educational opportunities. Smith said the colony would also aim to support and strengthen the ties between individuals, groups and organisations and increase the level of community interaction in the region. “It is proposed that a Soho Trust be formed to manage the development of the themes and enhance the benefits,” he said. “The Soho precinct can be divided into three areas and that will be managed in accordance with a fully costed development plan to be assessed by the board of management appointed by the SOHO Trust. “Each area will be discussed in detail and plans
drawn up to maximise the benefits and affect the themes will have.” The CfB’s proposal involves consultation with current art precinct operators such as The Abbotsford Convent, The Geelong Gallery, and architects at Denton Corker Marshall to ensure the “world-class development” of the Soho site. Smith said government arts funding opportunities were being explored and the committee was calling on businesses and investors in the community to throw their support behind the project. For further information on the proposed purchase and development of the Soho precinct, contact Smith on 5253 2230.
WED 3-4ft building W/SW 19° THU 3-5ft+ building SW 18° FRI 3-5ft inconsistent S/SW 17° SAT 2-3ft easing E 19°
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