THE COVID-19 has affected many events throughout the Great Southern and South West regions of WA – and the Southern Art & Craft Trail has been one of them.
Since the decision to cancel the 2020 event, ArtSouthWA has been busy recreating the event in other forms.
The Southern Art & Craft Trail originated in 2003 and had 10 towns, 36 venues and over 100 artists represented.
Over the following 18 years it grew to over 100 venues, representing more than 300 artists.
Art lovers and buyers have travelled from throughout WA to explore the Art Trail each year, with others coming from across the nation and overseas.
Now in 2020 The Southern Art & Craft Trail has taken on a new shape.
“The ArtSouthWA committee examined the key elements of the Art Trail and determined three great benefits”, said ArtSouthWA Chair, Merry Robertson.
“The Art Trail encourages people to explore the region, meet a wide range of artists and craftspeople, and purchase their works.
“This all brings strong economic benefits to the region.”
Both visitors to the Great Southern and locals can now explore the Southern Art & Craft Trail Online.
The Southern Art & Craft Trail Map is coming soon, and the Southern Art & Craft Trail Exhibition and sale of works wil be staged in November.
The online initiative sees ArtSouthWA member artists promote their works to an ever-increasing audience.
Each week a feature artist is promoted on social media, with the initiative seeing thousands of viewers each week.
Visitors are linked directly to the ArtSouthWA website where there they can view unique and original works for sale and make direct contact with the artists.
The Southern Art & Craft Trail Map will be available in November throughout the southern region of WA at visitor centres, galleries, retail outlets and online.
It will show a wide range of places that can be visited to see and purchase local arts and crafts.
Wineries, galleries, home studios and retail spaces have been included, all having original art on display and for sale.
The Map encourages people to travel various routes throughout the greater southern region of WA, and explore all that the region has to offer, while tracking down wonderful art and craftworks along the way.
The final event for art lovers will be the Southern Art & Craft Trail Exhibition and sale of works, from November 28 to December 6 at the Vancouver Arts Centre in Albany.
“The Exhibition has been made possible with the generous support of Tourism WA, City of Albany and The Amazing South Coast,” said Ms Robertson.
“Their support of ArtSouthWA through these difficult times has been truly appreciated.”
For nine days art lovers will be able to meet the artists and buy from a wide range of arts and crafts on offer.
While providing a perfect Christmas buying opportunity, it will generate much needed income and exposure for the hundreds of artists and craftspeople throughout the area who have faced the difficult times presented by COVID-19 and the cancellation of The Southern Art & Craft Trail Event.
To view unique artworks for sale, and find more information on ArtSouthWA, visit www.artsouthwa.com.au