Platform Arts Hub Blayney Welcomes New Management by Sidetrack Arts

Media Release: Tuesday 19 December 2023

Platform Arts Hub Blayney Welcomes New Management by Sidetrack Arts

Platform Arts Hub Blayney, housed within the renovated 1876 heritage-listed Blayney Railway Station, is thrilled to announce a new chapter under the coordination of Sidetrack Arts Inc (Sidetrack) with funding support from Blayney Shire Council.

Sidetrack is a newly founded artist-run initiative, made up of local Blayney and Central West visual artists and musicians. With a shared commitment to fostering and celebrating regional artistic talent, Sidetrack aims to provide a creative community-based platforms for local and regional artists to develop and showcase their practice.

Blayney Shire Council Mayor Scott Ferguson expressed his support for the group and the importance of supporting the art industry.

‘Council is looking forward to working with Sidetrack and being able to help strengthen the arts industry through the re-activation of the space.’

Blayney local, Laura Baker was recently elected as the new President of Sidetrack Arts Inc.
‘Sidetrack’s mission is to create inclusive spaces that value, celebrate and support local creative practice, and the use of the space will be key to achieving that,’ said Laura Baker.

‘Coming up with have three key programs we are launching including workshops in the January school holidays, creative art studios and our creative community where those interested can come on board as members.’

Exciting January School Holiday Workshops

Sidetrack is delight to unveil a series of summer workshops for children through to adults, from 17-20 January. Facilitated by artists from across the region, these workshops will cater to various artistic interests and skill levels. Workshops will include mosaics, paper cutting, and stop motion animation. Registrations are now open on the Sidetrack website, places are limited. This event is funded by the NSW Government Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Event Program.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said events funded under the former NSW Government’s $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW - Community Events Program are about bringing people together.

“Whether it’s your local show, a rodeo, festivals, picnics or races, events are the heartbeat of regional communities, and this funding has helped councils host free or low-cost ticket events and activities,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s more important than ever to help the regions hold events that kickstart the hospitality and tourism sectors after a tough few years.

“There has been some exceptional events so far in Blayney Shire with this funding and the upcoming workshops at Platform Arts Hub will be one not to miss!

Creative Studios at Platform Arts Hub Blayney

In addition to arts workshops, Sidetrack is establishing a community of creative studios at Platform Arts Hub Blayney. These studios offer local artists the opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative creative environment. Expressions of Interest in hiring a studio space are now open on the Sidetrack website.

Join Our Creative Community

Creatives across all art forms are welcome to become a member of Sidetrack and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the local art scene. To become and member and stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives visit sidetrackarts.com.au.

For more information and to register for workshops or creative studio spaces, visit sidetrackarts.com.au

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About Sidetrack Arts Inc:
Sidetrack Arts Inc is an artist-run initiative based in Blayney, NSW, composed of local creatives, visual artists, and musicians from the Central West of NSW. Dedicated to supporting regional artists across all art forms, Sidetrack Arts Inc provides spaces and opportunities for artistic practice to develop and be seen.

About Platform Arts Hub Blayney:
Platform Arts Hub Blayney, located within the historic Blayney Railway Station, is a community arts space that serves as a platform for local and regional artists. Under the new management of Sidetrack Arts Inc, Platform Arts Hub Blayney aims to deepen and develop creative practices within a community of creative studio spaces.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram.com/sidetrack.arts

Facebook.com/sidetrackartsinc