Zac Standish
THE people of Gippsland will be treated to some of the state’s greatest art work this weekend as the inaugural Show Me Some Art Festival hits the Moe Botanic Gardens.
Working in conjunction with local mental health groups such as Lifeline Gippsland and Beyond Blue the festival looks to create much needed awareness for the cause and help assist those that are struggling in the Latrobe Valley area.
Event organiser Steve Bechaz describes the motivation behind creating the festival.
“I had a few (motivations),” Mr Bechaz said.
“The whole thing originally started from wanting to get more art around town and I thought what better way to fill some of these walls (around the botanic gardens) with some fantastic art and change people’s moods with some excellent works.”
With raising awareness for mental health being such a key pillar to the weekend’s events, Bechaz details how he has personally been effected by this issue and why he chose to get behind the cause.
“Mental health is something I have been very passionate for a while and (putting together a fundraiser) is something I really wanted to do before COVID,” he said.
“It (mental health) is something that effects a lot of people, I have had a lot of friends that have passed away so anything I can do to help prevent another one I am all for it.
“They need all the help they can get so to have all of these volunteers assisting us with this festival it is fantastic.”
Lifeline Gippsland representative Vicki Rice spoke of the importance a festival such as Show Me Some Art will have in shedding light on this issue throughout the Valley region.
“It will be fabulous (for the cause),” Ms Rice said.
“It has been a huge task to organise this, but it is something I think will go on for many years to come and has the potential to be an event that is known throughout Victoria and possible Australia.
“The artists that are coming have an interest in mental health as well so not only are they performing and showing their talents but it will also be pointed to the issues people experience day by day.”
As opening day quickly approaches, Bechaz outlines what patrons can expect from the festival and his hopes for the weekend.
“I would love for them to expect some sunshine,” he said.
“There is going to be lots of music, a lot of art, plenty of kids activities we are going to have Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course, we’ve got the colour fun run, a car meet down here on Sunday and a comedian.
“A lot of people don’t even know this area of the botanic gardens exists, so it will be all about promoting the town and getting more people and tourism into the area.”
The festival will feature more than 50 regional, metropolitan and international artists and begins this Saturday from 10am.
Gippsland Lifeline has stepped up to be involved in mental health awareness. If you need assistance please contact 13 11 14.
