PORTAL

 

PORTAL came about as Council’s Plan B when the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the much loved Surf Coast Arts Trail. 

Recognising the huge impact of lockdowns and physical distancing on the Surf Coast’s significant Arts sector and the community, PORTAL focused on keeping us connected through creativity via online curated Arts programming. PORTAL 1 (#NotTheSurfCoastArtsTrail) included skills development workshops (watch the free online videos here) Artist Studio Tours, and panel sessions and discussions about the Surf Coast’s arts ecology.

PORTAL has since become testament to the fact that the Plan B is not always the lesser option – that by its very nature a Plan B is a creative enterprise, and full of opportunities.

The motivating spirit of PORTAL was to encourage connection, collaboration, community and creativity. 

PORTAL’s second phase, funded by Council was in recognition of PORTAL’s ability to aid recovery in the shire, featured two projects Creative Coalitions and PORTAL Street. 

Creative Coalitions

Creative Coalitions was a pilot project developed to assist the economic, social and community recovery of the region through the development of unique partnerships between artists and small business. 

PORTAL Street

Portal Street was a curated public art project showcasing three Surf Coast photographers.

With indoor venues continuing to be subject to changing restrictions and occupation limits as a result of COVID, it was time to investigate alternative ways to exhibit artworks outside the gallery or studio space.

PORTAL Street featured 3 local photographers whose work celebrates the unique identity, character and natural surrounds of the Surf Coast. They are:

Torquay's Shaun Viljoen (aka The Passerby),

Fairhaven's Rebecca Hosking and

Dean’s Marsh artist Renee Wigley.