Farmers, rural leaders, councillors and small town community members came together for this ACRE Seminar, the seminar that ultimately kicked off The ACRE Project.
Hosted in the midst of drought, the seminar touched on the ways that art could help farmers and people living and working in small, isolated communities to re-imagine the landscape. Mental health was discussed, as were examples of people and communities making the most of opportunities.
There was also discussion around how partnerships between agriculture and the arts could also stimulate the economy and grow communities.
Guest speakers included Dr Ian Hunter, Director and lead artist of Littoral Arts Trust in Britain; South Australian farmer and artist James Darling; Melbourne filmmaker, artist and writer Malcolm McKinnon; and Moulamein Art Gallery representative, artist and farmer Barb Harris.
Partners – Swan Hill Rural City Council, Regional Arts Victoria, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, Arts Victoria, BR&C, Murray Mallee Machinery, Swan Hill Chemicals and Your Community Cares.