Bridge Art Project committee members at the outdoor space. Photos: Supplied
Bridge Art Project celebrated its progress with a bushwalk, barbecue and activities at its gifted land site on Sunday, May 19.
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The 17-hectare site, on the riverfront in Moama, is the future home of the Bridge Art Precinct’s outdoor installation and sculpture space.
The precinct hosted a range of activities from local creators, including Beldari Pottery clay pot making, Little Tree kids’ painting lessons, and Bottle and Brush art classes.
Guests were able to participate in a range of art classes at the site.
Aunty Vicki Walker welcomed guests to Yorta Yorta Country, reflecting on her connection with the land and speaking in traditional language. Her message translated to “so let’s walk together friends, on Yorta Yorta Country.”
Jan and Barry Donchi generously donated the site, valued at $1 million. Mr Donchi was inspired by the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania, and art precincts over the world, sparking a vision to bring a similar site to Echuca.
“My wife and I had this land here, and this is the best possible use I could see for it,” he said.
Mr Donchi has a strong vision for the Bridge Art Project and is confident in its value to the local community.
“We’ve got the potential, over a period of time, to gradually develop into an international attraction,” he said.
“My wife and I were doing a bit of international travel at the time, and to see some of the other things that people have achieved ... why not here?
“We’ve got the perfect environment, and the whole idea is to create a space project where the history of mankind in Australia can be displayed in modern art.
“That is enough in itself.”
Visitors were able to access the site through the newly developed tracks, created by Ako Earth, Yorta Yorta man Franky Atkinson’s business.
A $10,000 donation from Echuca’s Nutrien Ag Solutions through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal supported the track formation and flood damage repairs.
Site donor and steering committee member Barry Donchi and Bridge Art Project chair Allison O’Brien in front of Julian Smith's fire pit and sculpture.
Bridge Art Project chair Allison O’Brien highlighted the unique opportunity the project provides to tell stories and bring people to the region.
“The Bridge Art Project’s motto is across rivers, across cultures, across history,” she said.
“This phrase embodies our mission to foster a shared sense of purpose and connections within our local communities.
“The Bridge Art Project has a vision of our immersed in nature artistic expression is essential to our community’s identity, and it's through the arts that we can share our culture with the rest of the world.
“There is a place for every story and a story for every place.”
The event marked the debut art installation at the site, a creation by metal artist Julian Smith. It is a sculptured fire pit made from old railway plates, in full swing at the event to keep attendees warm.
“It’s good to have a piece that is going to be here for a long time,” he said.
The Bridge Art Precinct indoor space will be at 74 Meninya St, Moama, housing two galleries, a gift shop, community room, and a restaurant and cafe overlooking the outdoor site.
Steering committee members and Moama Bowling Club purchased the land on Meninya St and donated it to Bridge Art Project.
Mrs O’Brien took the time to thank many of the sponsors and partners who have contributed to the project, including the NSW Government, who contributed $4.95 million to the construction of the gallery through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund.
“These founding donors took a risk that demonstrated their unwavering belief in the numerous community benefits for the Bridge Art Project,” she said.
“The impact of their generosity both financially and in being the founding steering committee for the project has been enormous, and I'd really like to thank all of you for that.”
Bridge Art Project is planning more events this year, including an open house and cocktail party in October.
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