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The Moorabool News – 15 February, 2022 Page 7
Pianos for people to play By Lachlan Ellis For those of a musical nature, or anyone who might enjoy a song or two over coffee or lunch, a new project from Council is encouraging Mooraboolites to take a moment and enjoy the tunes. Two pianos decorated by local artists are out on the streets this summer, and will remain available to play until March. In a time where connectedness is at a premium, Moorabool Shire Council’s ‘Pop-Up Pianos’ project is an opportunity to connect through love of music and art. Moorabool Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said Council was proud to provide the community with a new way to enjoy being out and about in Moorabool. “Council officers sourced pianos from the community and set them up in highly visible areas of Ballan and Bacchus Marsh to give the community an opportunity to listen to local musicians. As well as commissioning musicians, Council commissioned local artists to paint each piano,” Cr Sullivan told the Moorabool News. “The pianos are still stationed in the areas they were set up, and are enjoyed by community members young and old, which is fantastic to see. Funding for this program came from the State Government’s Outdoor Activation initiative.” The first piano, painted vibrantly by
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Matthew from Ingliston, playing the pop up piano at McLean's Reserve, Ballan. Photo: Lachlan Ellis
distinguished local artist Lou Callow and young artists Tilly, Ayla, and Audrey, is located at McLean Reserve on Fisken Street, Ballan. “Prior to Christmas I had the privilege of working with a small group of local teenagers painting the piano at McLean Reserve. It was a joy working with the team. It has been a delight to hear and see people of all ages and abilities sit down and play,” Ms Callow said. The second piano is located at Eddie Toole Reserve in Bacchus Marsh, and was painted by Mt Egerton artist
Myrawin Nelson and her children. The State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund supported local councils across Victoria in making physical improvements and providing entertainment to bring outdoor precincts to life, including through the Pop-Up Pianos project. The project is inspired by British artist Luke Jerram’s ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ global art piece, which has seen more than 1,900 street pianos installed in 60 cities around the world.
Need a grant to get a new project started for your non-profit community group? The next round of Council’s Community Grants Program is coming up soon. The next round of Council’s Community Grants is coming up, and over $250,000 was given under last year’s grants. A total of $80,000 is on offer in the March funding round - $60,000 for Community Strengthening Grants, $10,000 for Arts and Culture Grants, and $10,000 for Community Events Grants. Two online workshops will be held on Wednesday 16 February from 6 – 7 pm, and Thursday 3 March from 1 – 2 pm, on how to write an application. To register for the workshops, email info@moorabool.vic. gov.au, or call 5366 7100. Applications for a Community Grant open on 1 March and close on 31 March at 5 pm, with groups to be notified on the outcome of their applications in June. For more information, visit www.moorabool.vic.gov.au and search ‘Community Grants’.
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