Picola and District Improvement Group president Jeanette Holland said it was a great thrill to receive the funding.
“It’s been the committee's desire for a while; we had a town meeting 18 months ago where we discussed what would support the local community,” Ms Holland said.
“It will boost tourism and get more people stopping in our area, and will be a nice feature in the town for locals to look at.”
The Picola Silo Art Committee, which is comprised of six volunteers, will hold a meeting with Melbourne artist Jimmy D’vate next week to discuss the design of the silos and the project's commencement.
Mr D’vate will take inspiration from the wildlife of the nearby Barmah National Park, and the committee hoped the artwork would be completed by the end of December.
The Picola silo art will be funded by the Victorian Government's Creative Activations Fund, as part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy Action Plan 2016 to 2020 — which aims to boost tourism.
The Silo Art Trail has shown an extra spend of at least $26 000 over 11 months, which equates to an extra 576 visitors each month.
Four other projects across Victoria were selected to receive new art, including St Arnaud, Wedderburn, Bendigo and Fitzroy.
State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the projects would help put small towns on the map.
“The benefits of large-scale creative projects like these are many,” he said.
“It showcases the talents of artists, invigorates and rejuvenates communities by boosting the local economy through tourism.”
Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley said he was proud to back the world class creative teams, and the communities, behind the projects.
“This program is all about how creativity can activate, stimulate and amplify local tourism, businesses and jobs — and this is more important than ever,” he said.
Applications for round two of the Creative Activations Fund will open in August 2020 and will prioritise projects in the Wimmera-Mallee region.
For program guidelines, visit: creative.vic.gov.au
For more information on the Picola silo art project, or to donate to the project, email Jeanette Holland at picolagroup@outlook.com
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