BELCONNEN ART EXHIBITION CELEBRATES THE BIZARRE

A community art exhibition that showcases unusual, funny and bizarre experiences will be launched tonight by the Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts and Heritage, Jon Stanhope.

The Belco Bizarre exhibition will be held until September 26 at the Belconnen Arts Centre (BAC) and coincides with the first anniversary celebrations of the Centre.

Mr Stanhope said the works on display reflect the genuine talent that resides in Belconnen.

"The exhibition features the work of artists from the Belconnen Community from the ages of six to 80 and includes paintings, ceramics, textiles, sculptures and installations," Mr Stanhope said. "The 35 works on show speak of the immense variety of life experience of the artists, but all are linked by a common sense of place, home and community.

"Congratulations to all of the participating artists, and to the Centre, for choosing to celebrate its first birthday with an exhibition that tells the stories of the community for which it caters."

Mr Stanhope said the Belconnen Arts Centre has quickly established itself as a key arts facility.

"In its first year, the Centre has welcomed 19,000 visitors and held 23 exhibitions, four music concerts, 10 theatre performances and hosted events including NAIDOC week, International Women's Day, a Community Arts Symposium and three art and design markets," Mr Stanhope said. "Over 50 workshops are held at the Centre every week.

"The Government continues to invest significantly in the community life of the people of Belconnen and the broader Canberra community. Work starts this month on a $6.15 million upgrade of Emu Inlet which will transform the landscaping and promenade to the west of the Arts Centre.

"The Commonwealth and the ACT are partnering in a $4.2 million new skate park and public realm improvements on Eastern Valley Way, with work starting by the end of the year.

"And consultation has begun for a $250,000 new recreational facility for teenagers at the Western Foreshore District Park," Mr Stanhope said.

To find out more about the Belco Bizarre exhibition and the Belconnen Art Centre's anniversary celebrations visit www.belconnenartscentre.com.au

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au