Council grant for art group

Kyneton Art Group members with artist Sophie Dieu. (Supplied)

Elsie Lange

The Kyneton Art Group is one of the latest recipients of Macedon Ranges council’s small project grants.

At a meeting on Wednesday, June 22, council voted to allocate $1500 to the group to purchase teardrop signage, to increase promotion, attract new members and encourage more people to attend events.

Art group president Anna McGrath said the sign would be especially useful outside their venue at Red Brick Hall during winter, reminding passers-by when they are in residence.

“Everyone is welcome to come and join the group and participate in our events… on a Tuesday, we get together and we paint, we work on current projects that we’re putting into exhibitions, or individual members will also enter different art shows around the district,” Ms McGrath said.

Ms McGrath explained it can be hard to attract new members, especially following months of lockdowns – she hoped the grant would allow them to expand.

“The sign would be put out during our annual exhibition, which of course in the last few years we haven’t been able to have, this is a major thing for our art group,” she said.

She said the benefits of joining the group are many, especially with its low fee. Members can meet well-known artists and take part in workshops.

“With the grant, it just gives us that opportunity to have one more thing around to gain the membership and keep it going. It’s important for younger people,” she said.

“We have got a few younger members, so it’s great.”