The Outback Way Outdoor Gallery, with Mel Forbes

Helen speaks with Mel Forbes, the project manager of the Building Better Regions Outdoor Art Gallery Project. This project is an exciting and original concept that takes art out of the traditional gallery spaces and into the landscape of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, around the communities of Atitjere and Engawala, on the Plenty Highway located between 170 and 230kms from Alice Springs. Billboard sites will be dotted along the Plenty Highway, around and some located in the Engawala and Atitjere communities. In this episode, Mel shares a bit about her background and where the idea for the project came from. Helen and Mel then discuss where they are at with the project and how you can be involved. This is the inaugural exhibition of the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery, and billboard sites will be dotted along the Plenty Highway near, around and some located in the Engawala and Atitjere communities. These billboards will showcase the artwork from all the communities along the Outback Way and the Regional Art prizes in WA, NT and Qld. Both the Engawala and Atitjere communities welcome you to drive into the communities to view the artworks and to visit their community gallery and local stores. Prints of the artworks will be for sale online and at the galleries with 80% of the profit going to the Artist. Entries are now open for the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery Inaugural Exhibition 2020 - go to https://outbackway.org.au/outdoor-gallery/ You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1 Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People,  Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.

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The Outback Way has become a symbol of resilience, connection, and progress, weaving together the diverse landscapes and communities of Australia's heartland.

 In celebration of the  25-year journey of advocacy and lobbying to the funding announcement to complete the seal, the Outback Highway Development Council is proud to present ‘From Bulldust to Bitumen – 25 Years of the Outback Way’. A book that captures the spirit, history, and future vision of this transformative project.

Order your copy and be part of the journey that continues to shape Australia's outback, it’s people and the nation. 

Head over to our website and order yours today  W: outbackway.org.au

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You can find more information about this podcast on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Instagram @OutbackWay1

Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

The Outback Way Podcast is produced by Perk Digital.