Bendigo's winter arts scene heats up with new exhibitions, live music and theatre

Bendigo's arts and entertainment calendar is packed this winter, with venues across the city rolling out new exhibitions, live music gigs and theatre productions over the next six weeks.

The activity comes as cultural organisations across regional Victoria work to maintain audience numbers after a tough few years. Local operators say winter programming is critical to keeping venues viable through the colder months.

Gallery shows and visual arts

Bendigo Art Gallery on View Street opens a new exhibition on Saturday 25 July, featuring works from five contemporary Australian artists. The show runs through to 19 September. Gallery director Jessica Bridgfoot told the Bendigo Weekly the exhibition explores themes of memory and place, with several pieces created specifically for the space.

The Capital Theatre on View Street is staging a production of Melbourne Theatre Company's The Boy Who Talked to Dogs from 11 to 15 August. The play, based on a true story, has drawn strong reviews during its national tour. Tickets range from $39 to $59, with a discounted preview on opening night.

At the Bendigo Bank Theatre on Mitchell Street, the Bendigo Theatre Company presents its winter mainstage production, The Drowsy Chaperone, from 27 July to 10 August. It is the first time the company has staged the musical comedy, which won five Tony Awards on Broadway.

Live music and local bands

The music calendar is also busy. The Great Hotel on Mitchell Street hosts indie-rock band The Ocean Party on Saturday 18 July. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets $25 at the door. The band is touring behind its sixth studio album, released in May.

On Friday 24 July, the Music Gym on Mundy Street presents a triple bill of local acts: folk singer Grace Cummings, electronic duo Quiet Saturday and hip-hop artist L-FRESH the LION. Show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are $20 presale or $25 on the door.

The Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival, scheduled for 23 to 25 October, has already announced its first headliner: singer-songwriter Mia Dyson. Early bird three-day passes are $120, available until 1 September. The festival, now in its 12th year, runs across multiple venues including the Goldfields Theatre and the Old Fire Station.

For families, the Bendigo Pottery on Midland Highway is running wheel-throwing workshops every Saturday afternoon in August. Cost is $45 per person, including materials and firing of one piece. Bookings are essential.

The weekend of 15-16 August sees the Bendigo Zine Fair return to the Bendigo Library on Hargreaves Street. The free event runs from 10am to 4pm both days, with stalls from 30 independent publishers and artists.

What's next: Most of these events are already on sale or ticketed at the door. For those planning ahead, the Bendigo Art Gallery's summer blockbuster, a retrospective of photographer Bill Henson, is confirmed for December, with dates and ticket prices to be announced by mid-September.