Press Centre

Media Release

15 January 2002

Brushstrokes of the Coast

'In the Artist's Footsteps', launched in December 2000 to coincide with Australia’s Centenary of Federation, has been developed to trace the lives and works of Australia’s most famous artists as a major educational resource for schools, art colleges, the general community and art lovers nationally and internationally.

Announcing the project, the Chairman of the Victorian Coastal Council, Ms Diane James said, "The unique program would provide a community focus on the importance of coastal areas in the arts and a link to the education system."

Ms James said that the translation of coastal views with the passion and vision of the artists added another dimension to the appreciation of the Victorian Coast and also provided a vehicle to encourage more painting and drawing within the coastal regions.

A 'Paint Out' will be held on Sunday 17 February 2002 at Beaumaris near the site where Tom Roberts painted 'The Sunny South' in the summer of 1886/1887 on the beach just to the north of the Tea House Kiosk at Ricketts Point.

The Victorian Coastal Council will be inviting Art Groups to take part in the official announcement of the project as part of the program.

Several community identities will be added to Brushstrokes of the Coast with nominations of their favourite coastal areas.

Ms Shirley Baynes-Smith, Managing Editor of In the Artist's Footsteps said, 'Brushstrokes of the Coast' would be curated by Art Historian Andrew Mackenzie, the research director of the program."

Areas to be featured in the project are spread throughout the three Victorian Coastal Council regions and include:

Western Region
Lorne, Warrnambool, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway and Port Campbell

Central Coast Region
Point Lonsdale, Geelong, Williamstown, Mentone, Phillip Island and St Kilda

Gippsland Region
Wilson's Promontory, Lakes Entrance, Gabo Island, Wonthaggi and Mallacoota.

'Brushstrokes of the Coast' will be officially launched on 16 April 2002 at the Victorian Coastal Council Conference in Melbourne.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith In the Artist's Footsteps (03) 98185700

About 'In the Artist's Footsteps'

In the Artist's Footsteps is an educational website that explores the lives and works of Australia's famous artists.

The project to date has the support of the Federal Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Telstra Country Wide and the Victorian Government Office of Women’s Policy, ATSIC, Victorian Coastal Council, Aspect Computing and BP.

The project was launched in London at the Australian High Commission in December 2000 with Noel Roberts, Tom Roberts grandson.

The website now contains extensive information on thirteen major Australian artists including Sir Arthur Streeton, Walter Withers, Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Eugene von Guerard, David Davies and Frederick McCubbin and the Women of the Heidelberg School Clara Southern, Elizabeth Parsons, Jane Price, Jane Sutherland and May Vale.

The Hon. Philip Ruddock, Federal Minister for Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Mr Geoff Clark, Chairman of ATSIC and Sir William Dargie, recently launched the Albert Namatjira Collection in Melbourne.

The website is part of the National Archives of Australia to ensure its ongoing access to educational institutions and art lovers nationally and internationally.

In the Artist's Footsteps
medialaunch.com.au Pty Ltd
ABN 69 067 524 921
Tel: +61 3 98185700
Fax: +61 3 98185044
Email: editor@artistsfootsteps.com

Left: Arthur Streeton - Above Us The Great Grave Sky, 1890
Collection: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.