Mary with local artist Elly Kent and her daughter Adi infront of Elly's installation of her art work

Active members of North Canberra's lively arts community have established Belconnen and Northern Arts Network ACT (BANANA) to promote the development of artistic and cultural activities in the northern region.

The first exhibition of work was opened by Mary Porter in early March at the Belconnen Gallery in the Belconnen Community Centre, and featured a body of work by 20 established and emerging visual artists.

The pieces exhibited included paintings, jewellery, digital prints on canvas, and foam boxes and sculptures.

"The Arts have the power to build communities, bringing people together in discussion about art and its meaning in our own lives and in the life of our community. The role of BANANA is to promote the development of artistic and cultural activities by providing co-ordination of resources and assistance to the artistic and cultural community. It will also assist cultural development in Belconnen,"

Planning was well underway for the Belconnen Arts and Cultural Centre which, when completed, will be a welcome addition to the arts landscape in Belconnen. BANANA has been established as a sub-committee of the Belconnen Community Council with support from the Belconnen Community Service.

Additional information is available from the website www.bananaorg.net or by ringing Jan Wawrzynczak on 62640235