By Hamish Heard
WILLIAMSTOWN artist Mark Edgoose is preparing to add a bit of shine to the reputation of Melbourne silversmiths.
The jewellery and hollowware maker is one of two local artists to receive money under a State Government program helping to boost Victoria’s profile on the international arts scene.
A $10,000 grant will help pay for Mr Edgoose and nine of his colleagues who studied together at RMIT to exhibit their works at a gallery in the Netherlands next February.
“Nationally, Melbourne already has quite a strong reputation for silversmithing, less so internationally,” Mr Edgoose said.
“This is really a great opportunity to get it noticed in the European and international arts community,” he said.
Hobsons Bay musician Eugene Ughetti also received a grant under the program.
He will receive $3500 to take his performance called The Glass Percussion Project to China as part of a collaborative tour with international music ensemble Grenzenlos later this year.
Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan said Melbourne was increasingly being recognised as a creative and cultural centre.
“This is in no small measurea result of the innovative work local talent – our artists, perfor-mers, writers and musicians – bring to the world stage,” Mr Noonan said.
