Arts and Culture

Let’s keep it that way.

I’ve been involved in the Arts in Bendigo since I was 11. To see it become a cultural powerhouse in Australia has been very special. Some ideas I have to continue that trajectory include:

• Completing the Bendigo Art Gallery Redevelopment.
  We are so lucky in Bendigo to have (in my opinion) the greatest art gallery outside of a capital city. Securing the funding to complete the redevelopment can place Bendigo on the world stage when it comes to visual art, which can bring enormous economic benefits to the region.

• More Major Artistic Works being brought to Bendigo.
  Bendigo is slowly becoming a destination for artists and production companies around the world. Pushing for more major productions, like Wagner’s Ring Cycle in 2023 will bring more jobs and more tourists into the local economy. However, I believe there needs to be support for Bendigo Locals to enjoy this art too.

• Advocate for Bendigo in different cultural contexts.
  Bendigo is already well known for its place in the visual, performing, and culinary art spheres. But there is so much cultural variety in Bendigo. Pushing for recognition in religious (such as the Great Stupa), and ethnic (such as the influence of China on our history) contexts is the next rung on Bendigo’s cultural ladder.