Loddon Valley Arts launched

Published on 14 August 2025

Delicate embroidery is not often displayed so that it can be admired alongside chunky wood sculptures or photos of lovingly restored cars.

Loddon Valley Arts is about to change that, challenging the stereotypes about what makes a spectacular arts festival.

Blooming this spring, 3-5 October, what began as a conventional Arts Trail has blossomed into a Loddon Shire-wide event networking 30 venues with standalone and standout exhibitions and events.

“We’re playing to the shire’s strengths,” volunteer co-ordinator Rosemary Sorensen said.

“There’s a magnificent woolshed just outside Serpentine which is worth a visit anytime, but with big bold sculptures, paintings and prints that capture quintessential Australian scenes, plus eerie drawing displayed against the mighty wooden beams and filtered light of this architectural treasure, it’s going to be truly unique.

“We’re using Memorial Halls in Calivil, Boort, Dingee and Bridgewater, and the very special War Memorial School in Mysia.

“When history meets creativity like the this, the result is very exciting.”

Ms Sorensen said planning had prioritised collaborations with committees, community groups, artists and “anyone who can help”.

“I’m in awe of the Loddon people who have said yes and backed the expansion of the trail into a full-blown festival this year,” she said.

“The time and effort they put into their community is what has inspired us to make an event the whole shire can be proud of and benefit from.”

Events such as a Garden Party in Inglewood’s Nimmitabel house and a Preview afternoon tea in collaboration with the Wedderburn Korong Vale RSL supplement the exhibition program, as well as workshops that invite participants to have a go at printmaking, painting, sketching and even straw plaiting.

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said Loddon Valley Arts was a wonderful example of how the community collaborated to achieve a shared vision.

“We often say Loddon Shire is really a community of communities but they have all got together to make this Arts festival a success,” he said.

“From farmers to Men’s Sheds to service clubs to businesses, they’ve all pitched in to create something that we can all be proud of.

“That also translates into a major economic boost for our communities, with the number of visitors from outside the region here and travelling around for the weekend.

“Council is proud to support such a win-win event for all of us, and is committed to ensuring it succeeds into the future.”

Cr Straub said the quality and variety of artists exhibiting on the festival trail was testament to the hard work of organisers since the event began, but it wasn’t all one way.

“The artists themselves will get to exhibit their works in some pretty unique locations around our shire,” he said.

“We hope they enjoy these venues as much as our communities will enjoy seeing them used in this unique way.”

Caption: Kristen Cowland will not only exhibit her work but will also hold a painting workshop at Boort Memorial Hall during Loddon Valley Arts.