‘WinterKnit’ in Ballan 2019
Background:
In the past 2 years members of Wombat Regional Arts Network have successfully run the ‘Black Nite Black Lite’ winter solstice event in Ballan; traders windows were decorated using fluorescent materials created by artists, individuals, community groups and schools. The windows came alive for a week in winter using black light. The benefits for the community from these events were multi layered. In 2019 we are changing direction and are currently in progress preparing for ‘WinterKnit’.   

 Proposal:
Winter in Ballan can be very bleak, however, we plan to change that for the three months of winter, transforming the streetscape with colour, uplifting spirits and encouraging people to get out and walk the streetscape.  Selected established trees, shop verandas and veranda poles will be decorated with knitting and crochet.
  
Process:
Individuals and community groups will be invited to take responsibility for a tree, or other structure along the streetscape. Where needed, wool and related materials will be sourced / provided. In the six months prior to winter, participants will initially attend a group meeting and then be supported on a needs basis with their projects.
Community Connections/Stakeholders:
Similar to Black Nite event, but expanding to craftspeople, and those who knit and crochet.
Budget:
Grant from Moorabool Shire - $3000
 
Guestimations:
  • Community celebrations associated with event $1500
  • Materials / wool to distribute $1000
  • Promoting event / advertising $500
  • In kind – many hours by volunteers / co-ordinators
 
Organisers: ‘WinterKnit’ Group – auspiced under Wombat Regional Arts Network
Co-ordinators – Lou Callow & Carmel Hunter  (and anyone else interested in assisting)
 
 
PROCESS (if funding application is successful):
  • Nov / Dec.
    • Do audit of street (veranda posts, trees, street furniture etc)
    • Make contact with traders to inform them of event and seek permission to use their veranda poles etc.
    • Make contact with op-shops re collecting yarn, knitted items that come into op-shops
    • Initial letter to stakeholders / individuals and community groups re the forth coming event.
  • Feb/March
    • Second round of contact with stakeholders, allocating veranda poles, etc. to groups and individuals; record on map of Inglis street; distribution of materials to those who require them
  • Dec – May
    • Production of yarn bombing; continued contact/ support for those involved
KEY DATES-
  • June 1 & 2  2019
    • Weekend for installing yarn bombing – preferably Sunday with afternoon refreshments available in RSL Hall (cuppa and cake).
  • June 21, 22, 23 (Fri – Sun)
    • Community celebrations – winter solstice in the form of evening music event in hall; afternoon high teas (TBC)
  • August  Sat. 31 & Sun. 1st Sept.
    • All work to be removed by participants – afternoon celebration (cuppa and cake) in RSL Hall
 
  1. All work must be well attached to poles etc.(preferably stitched) and be robust enough to last 3 months of winter.
  2. No nails in trees, or damage to any property
  3. Installations will be checked on a daily basis by organisers.
  4. Each installation will be acknowledged with a laminated small sign
 
 
OF NOTE - In August 2019 Ballan sub branch of the RSL celebrates 100 years. In current discussion is the proposal to use the red poppies currently on PO, as part of the Winterknits Streetscape.  These would be concentrated around the area of the memorial in front of the PO.