A burst of colour and creativity is set to descend on Daylesford this July as the Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative (DRAC) presents Cloudburst, a month-long preview of their upcoming Stanbridge Hall exhibition.
In a unique collaboration, DRAC artists will display their work in shopfronts along Vincent Street, thanks to the generous support of local traders. The initiative offers passers-by a taste of the talent that will be on full display in the cooperative’s major exhibition this September.
DRAC is a resident-led, not-for-profit arts collective that emerged from a recognised gap in the region: the need for accessible exhibition spaces and networking opportunities for local creatives. Founded in Hepburn Shire, DRAC champions the work of semi-professional, hobbyist and amateur artists, whose contributions—though often overlooked—make up the largest share of the region’s creative output.
DRAC’s inaugural exhibition there in 2024 was the culmination of two years of weekend pop-up shows that helped build confidence and experience among its members. That show raised enough funds to donate 15 Backpack Beds for Homeless, fulfilling the Cooperative’s commitment to community give-back, embedded in its constitution.
The main-street showcase is a preview of what’s to come in September in Stanbridge Hall. Proceeds will support the Hepburn Wildlife Sanctuary, in recognition of the challenges local wildlife faced during this past summer’s dry conditions.
Cloudburst will run throughout July, with artworks for sale in participating Vincent Street shops. DRAC encourages locals and visitors alike to admire the art—and to thank the retailers helping bring it to the public eye.
