Loved up start to the first-ever regional centre for culture

The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating the launch of Victoria’s first Regional Centre for Culture in Bendigo.

Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, Love Letters to the Heart of Victoria is a heart-warming start to the year-long celebration of arts, culture and creativity, backed by the Andrews Labor Government.

People from across the region, which takes in the City of Bendigo and shires of Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields and Hepburn, will gather at Bendigo’s Rosalind Park for a mass free public art event, featuring art, live music and performances.

The centrepiece is a large-scale sculpture, created by Felipe Reynolds and Dja Dja Wurrung artist Racquel Kerr, incorporating thousands of love letters written by locals.

Throughout 2018, the Regional Centre for Culture will shine a spotlight on the creativity of the region and boost tourism with a dynamic program of specially commissioned artworks, events and a major arts conference. Highlights include:

Water Hole – On Saturday 3 March the town of Newstead will be celebrating rose-tinted memories of summer by the pool, with in-water performances, lilo races, poolside karaoke and art.

Now You See It – In May, Anderson’s Mill in Smeaton will be transformed through light and sound, with an immersive audio-visual work that celebrates the mill’s heritage.

Trumpit Up and Drone On — Hundreds of pipe and brass players will gather for a very special ensemble performance on Lake Jubilee in Daylesford on Friday 28 September.

Poppet by ACT Natimuk – In late October, the Natimuk team will present a new aerial and projection performance centred on the iconic poppet head in Rosalind Park, capturing the stories of Bendigo and the Dja Dja Wurrung People.

The Regional Centre for Culture is an initiative of the Labor Government’s landmark Creative State strategy. For more visit rcc2018.com

Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"This is one of the most ambitious cultural events regional Victoria has ever seen, and we are incredibly proud to get behind it."

"The year ahead will be full of creative opportunities and surprises right across the region, providing plenty of reasons to visit and explore."

Quote to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

"The Regional Centre for Culture gives us the opportunity to showcase our region like never before, and build our reputation as the creative heart of the creative state."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Central Victoria is rich in culture and creativity, and I can’t think of a better way to showcase this wonderful region than through the Regional Centre for Culture. I encourage all local creatives to get involved."