By NARELLE COULTER
ARTS and culture are thriving in the City of Greater Dandenong, with visiting and resident artists weaving a rich tapestry of creativity.
As well as the Drum Theatre, the city boasts galleries, outdoor sculpture, exhibition space, workspace for artists and niche museums.
Council’s arts and cultural development officer Sarah Dugdale said the artistic scene in Greater Dandenong was as diverse as the city’s population.
She advises people wanting a quick snapshot of what Dandenong has to offer to start at the acclaimed Walker Street Gallery on the corner of Walker and Robinson streets.
“At Walker Street Gallery the attractive professional exhibition space is complemented by a small and effective Black Box theatre that supports new and emerging performing artists alongside their visual art colleagues,” Ms Dugdale said.
On the other side of the Londsdale Street divide is Heritage Hill, the city’s best-kept secret garden and quiet hideaway.
“Heritage Hill Museum and Gardens is a beautiful historical haven that provides a combination of interpretive museum displays, exhibition spaces, work and meeting rooms and a growing artist in residency program. Located within the beautiful heritage garden, the two homes and smaller studio space provide a unique setting for a range of creative and cultural activities.”
Ms Dugdale was instrumental in the recent establishment of The Hive, an online networking platform designed to connect artists, patrons and arts lovers.
“Greater Dandenong’s Facebook page is the social media link to the artists’ network of the City of Greater Dandenong and to the growing range of activities and programs available across the city.
“The Hive provides an opportunity for local artists to share information about their own practice, find opportunities and meet and network with other artists in the city. It is also the key place to go to find out what’s happening in the arts and culture at the visual and performing arts venues and other public and community spaces across the city.”
