The Swanpool community has pulled the plug on its annual art festival.
Sadly this also marks the end of the popular Swanpool Creative Recycled Arts Prize (SCRAP).
The small town, just outside Benalla, has had a strong connection to the arts since 2013 when it first hosted the Bald Archies.
A Swanpool and District Community Development Association (SDCDA) spokesperson described that as a slightly satirical art display predominantly depicting politicians, sports people and other famous, or infamous, Australian celebrities in caricature.
“When the hosting conditions changed in 2017, the organising committee of the Bald Archies wanted to continue to contribute to Swanpool and district,” the spokesperson said.
“And so, the Swanpool Arts Festival, incorporating the Swanpool Creative Recycled Arts Prize (SCRAP), was born.
“It was an event that offered generous prize money for the best use of scrap materials found in and around the home, work or community environment.
“But now, unfortunately, times have changed and it is much harder to enlist the services of a younger group of people.
“(Therefore) the elders of the SDCDA have reluctantly decided to end the Swanpool Arts Festival in its current format.”
The spokesperson said the amount of work involved with the 16-day SCRAP event required more than 70 volunteers, including 16 just to get the show opened each day.
“While there is a pang of sadness, this is overridden by the enormous sense of pride in a job very, very well done,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said that was evidenced by the amount of money distributed to the local community since 2013 — an amazing $196,088.
“See what has been achieved with a tireless and generous community spirit?” the spokesperson said.
“When you draw on your community to pool the talents, experience, business knowledge and genuine desire to contribute ... the results are nothing short of truly amazing.
“The SDCDA would like to thank every single volunteer and every single visitor who made these events so successful.
“These fundraising events have only been possible and successful because of the generous Swanpool and district community, which includes almost everyone in some way.
“And there will be more to come in the future, but perhaps scaled down to one or two-day events.”
Ideas, comments and volunteering suggestions are welcomed by the SDCDA.
To find out more or to offer assistance, visit www.swanpoolanddistrict.com.au