Call out to artists

(L-R) Front: Local artists Marieann Heard and Julie Millowick. Back: Local artist Gregory Fitzgibbon, Taproom owner and Fringe committee member Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns and local 'archeologist' Dale Cox. Photo: Jade Jungwirth

Castlemaine’s Fringe Festival is calling for artists to help raise money for the 2025 Fringe Festival.


The Fringe Art Auction is being held on Sunday November 24 at the Shedshaker Taproom and is Castlemaine Fringe’s major fundraiser.


Festival director Azzy Jones said the auction aimed to raise $40,000 to go towards the costs of programming the eclectic, all-encompassing Fringe Festival, which begins March 22 next year.


“Festivals are expensive to create and bring to life, and our Fringe Festival receives next to no government support, so this fundraiser is absolutely vital for us,” he said.


“Artists who get involved and have their art included receive 50 per cent of the sale price, while the other 50 per cent goes to Fringe.


“We have had some spectacular art and spectacular auctions in the past and given the calibre of artists in Castlemaine and surrounding areas, we expect a lot of great art again this year.”


The last auction in 2022 raised more than $24,000, a figure the Fringe committee hopes to beat this year.


“We are setting a high target as every dollar we can raise means the Fringe next year can bring more fun, excitement and entertainment to Castlemaine,” Azzy said.


Castlemaine-based artist Dale Cox said the Fringe Art Auction was a coming together of the art community for an important cause.
“The art community is very generous and always the first to put up their hand to help,” he said.


“This auction is a great way to buy art as it supports both the artist and the festival – and each auction has many stunning pieces to choose from.”


Artists interested in participating in this year’s Fringe Art Auction can register at www.castlemainefringe.org.au/artauction by October 31.

The Fringe Art Auction will begin at 4pm on Sunday November 24 at the Shedshaker Taproom, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine.