Mackay artist studio trail to showcase regional talented artists

A Mackay artist said she has seen huge amount of interest from her peers in establishing a project to bring tourists rushing back to the region.

Plastic Boutique Founder and Artist Margaret Burgess at the launch of her Pledge to the Planet campaign at Caneland Central which featured an eight metre whale and calf sculpture, made from reused plastic bags.

A movement is stirring to develop a new artist trail that will showcase the creativity of Australia’s regional towns.

Mackay-born Margaret Burgess, who is a practising artist at Caneland Central store Artist Collective, is campaigning to unlock opportunities for her hometown’s creation.

She hopes the “huge amount of interest” from about 50 artists in a new studio trail project will counteract a “lack of opportunity in our region.”

“It’s to put Mackay on the map,” Ms Burgess said.

Artist Margaret Burgess repairs a section of the Upon the Levee Wall Community Mural which tells the story of Mackay's history. Picture: Tony Martin

“We are just so rich with the diversity of creativity in the region.

“We have painters, we have potters, we have sculptors, we have designers, we have fibre artists, we have milliners.

“But unfortunately, it has never ever been pulled together and promoted.”

Unlike today’s focus on the resources sector, she said Mackay’s main business was formerly as a “huge tourism destination”.

“We were a huge tourism destination,” Ms Burgess said.

Margaret Burgess, left, takes a group on a tour of the Levee Wall Mural as part of National Reconciliation Week 2017.

“But as resources took over, the tourism kind of went a little bit.

“The resources are going to decline and now we’re going to have to rebuild tourism.

“Covid has change the nature of people’s travelling habits.”

Ms Burgess’ confidence does not mistake the effort it will take to set up trails through Mackay, Isaac, and the Whitsundays.

Mackay artist Margaret Burgess with her creation for the 'Immerse' art installation at the Great Barrier Reef Festival in Airlie Beach, August 7 2021. Picture: Kirra Grimes

“It takes a lot of work to pull everybody together and share a vision,” she said.

“There will be a Pioneer Valley leg of the artist’s trail … a Sarina leg … Northern Beaches, and inner city Mackay.”

Ms Burgess is looking forward to the future as meetings with Mackay Regional Council and art grant organisations continue.

“We’re hoping to have a pilot event in 2023 as a fringe event (for Mackay Festival of Arts),” she said.

“If there’s any businesses that would like to get involved with sponsorship, printing, web building … any skills they can share (are welcomed).”

For more details, email [e-mail] or visit margaretburgessart.com