New art space for local artists

7 Dec 2020

With limited spaces in Bendigo for artists to show off their works to the community, local artist, Mr Dimples (Nathan Sims), had to host his most recent exhibit in Melbourne.

 “I was getting quite frustrated at the limited spaces [in Bendigo] in which artists could show off their works to the wider community,” Mr Dimples said.

Upon a chance conversation with Director of Nursing & Patient Experience, Andriy Kurtsev, the idea of St John of God Bendigo Hospital providing an art space was born. 

Andriy is passionate about the art and its role in health care, and believes creating this space not only gives local artists a chance to showcase their talents, but also further strengthens the partnership between the Hospital and the Bendigo community, brightening what can be otherwise a very clinical space. 

St John of God Group Coordinator of Arts and Health, Deborah Pearson, believes the arts plays a significant role in the happiness and wellbeing of individuals and communities. 

“We believe that the use of the arts in the services we offer helps us to fulfil our Mission by promoting personal growth, fostering artistic interests and abilities and supporting healing,” Deborah said.

Mr Dimples offered to volunteer his time to curate the selected works to be exhibited, which would be regularly rotated to provide many artists an opportunity to be seen. 

Artists for the first exhibition have been selected from different backgrounds and mediums. With works ranging from more traditional to graphic styles, there was an abundance of quality pieces to choose from.

“Bendigo has a lot of talent and it was easy to select the artworks,” Mr Dimples said.

The first exhibition will be on display until 1 February 2021.