Artists could be using the northern Wimmera as inspiration for their next creations by the middle of next year.
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Yarriambiack Shire Council has begun advertising for tenders to redevelop Hopetoun powerhouse into an art studio and a one-bedroom unit.
Chief executive Jessie Holmes said it was expected the $200,000 works would start in early 2021, and take up to three months.
"Artists will be invited directly to uptake the opportunity of a residency," she said.
"Usually only one artist would take up a residency but if approached by a group, it could be discussed to have multiple artists in the community.
"Promotion of the accommodation will mostly happen via social media with the potential of tapping into Airbnb".
The Lascelles Street site has under council ownership for more than 25 years. It has previously been used as a depot for storage or road signs.
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Mrs Holmes said the accommodation would be available for visitors to book when not being used by artists.
"The Hopetoun community has discussed many options for the Power House over the years and the Drought Communities Program provided an opportunity to develop the site," she said.
"The Hopetoun Progress Association and Gateway BEET are the lead community groups who will be directly involved in the project."
Funding from the federal government's Drought Communities Program is being used to finance the project.
The tender period closes on Wednesday.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
