11 March 2022
Western Downs Regional Council has reached a cultural milestone having curated its first touring art exhibition, Response to the Bunyas, which will tour Southern Queensland throughout 2022-2023.
This exhibition features a selection of works from 24 local artists which were first exhibited as an outdoor pop-up display at Council’s inaugural Arts on Top: Regional Arts Forum held in May 2021.
Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said this initiative provided talented participating artists exposure for their work which demonstrates the beauty of our region.
“Here in the Western Downs, it’s the people who make our active and vibrant communities, and our regional artists have once again demonstrated this through their creative interpretations which make up this exhibition,” Cr Maguire said.
“This initiative invited local artists to respond to the unique environment of the Bunya Mountains as experienced by Indigenous artists, and artists who live on, or visit the mountains seeking inspiration, and each of them captured this beautifully in their own mediums.
“We are proud to be expanding this initiative and give these artists a larger platform by showcasing their work to an audience beyond the Western Downs, ultimately shaping how others perceive arts and culture in our region.”
Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Events and Regional Promotion Councillor Kylie Bourne said the exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s beauty and how our talented artists view it.
“The Western Downs is a destination rich in natural beauty and heritage which inspires creativity, something which is very much demonstrated through this one-of-a-kind exhibition created by our talented local creatives,” Cr Bourne said.
“This touring exhibition is the first of its kind for our region and we are excited to share the pieces with our neighbouring regions in Southern Queensland and encourage other artists to seek out inspiration in the Western Downs.”
Bunya Mountains resident and featured artist Kay Joyce said she was pleased to be part of such a great initiative which shared a beautiful collection of creativity and sentiment with the wider community.
“As an exhibition during the Arts on Top conference, Response to the Bunyas enabled visitors to experience and learn something of the mountain, and as a travelling exhibition, it extends that opportunity to those further afield in the towns hosting the exhibition,” Mrs Joyce said.
“This initiative provided an opportunity for local artists to share something of the magnificence, wonder, beauty and wisdom held within the mountains while demonstrating the breadth and depth of their art practice in a very supportive, inclusive and encouraging environment.”
Response to the Bunyas commenced its tour at the Surat on Balonne Art Gallery on Saturday 26 February with the online 3D version live on www.westerndownsarts.com.au from Monday 21 March 2022.
