A strong arts community in the inner west yet a lack of exhibition space is what inspired local Footscray artist, Sally Walshe aka LaDY MoHaWK, to source funding and create the Show Your WEST-side art exhibition. With the support of Footscray Traders Association and the City of Maribyrnong, the exhibition was created to showcase the work of  artists within the City of Maribyrnong or or whose work depicted an aspect of the municipality.

When asked to provide sponsorship for the event, bank staff member and art enthusiast, Julia Nguyen, was thrilled to donate her staff grant as second prize. “I have a lot of friends who are artists and there are so few opportunities for them to exhibit in the west. This is a great opportunity for them.”

Although uncertain as to what the response might be, Sally was completely overwhelmed when she received over two hundred applications later. Over 210 artworks were compiled for the exhibition including entries from students at West Footscray Primary School.

“People loved it, the community are obviously very in need of more art exhibitions and events in the inner west,” she said.

Our branch team were thrilled when their commissioned artwork by Elzette Bester was also showcased in the exhibition. The piece gained a great deal of interest with guests spending much time discussing and taking in all the details that tell the community bank story.

Show Your Westside is open until 11 August

Footscray Connectivity Centre, 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray

Photo credit – Rod Ceballos