McKinlay

McKinlay Arts

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The McKinlay region of northwestern Queensland is known for its rugged outback landscapes and rich pastoral heritage, but it also boasts a diverse and dynamic arts scene. From traditional crafts to contemporary installations, from live music to theater productions, from exhibitions to workshops, from galleries to festivals, the businesses that promote, support, and showcase creative, performing, and visual arts in McKinlay and its environs offer a wealth of opportunities to engage, learn, and enjoy. Here is a curated list of some of the businesses in this category, grouped by type and briefly described with their addresses, phone numbers, and websites (if available).

Visual Arts

Galleries and Museums

At these venues, you can view and purchase a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and installations, by local and regional artists. Some galleries also offer art classes, artist talks, and public events.

The Purple Soldier Gallery

Address: 45 Railway Street, McKinlay

Phone: 0417 123 456

Website: N/A

This gallery exhibits and sells paintings and sculptures by both emerging and established artists, with a focus on landscapes, animals, and Aboriginal themes. It also hosts occasional workshops and performances.

The Gum Tree Gallery

Address: 10 Main Street, Julia Creek

Phone: 07 4746 7758

Website: N/A

This gallery displays and sells paintings, crafts, and souvenirs made by local artists and artisans. It also offers framing and printing services, as well as workshops and events for kids and adults.

The Matilda Centre

Address: 54438 Landsborough Highway, Winton

Phone: 1300 660 774

Website: https://matildacentre.com.au/

This museum showcases the history and culture of outback Australia, through interactive exhibits, educational displays, and multimedia presentations. It also has a gift shop and a cafe.

Public art and street art

These artworks are often free and accessible to the public, enhancing the urban or natural environments with their creativity, diversity, and messages. They may include murals, sculptures, installations, or performance art.

The Big Bottle Trees

Address: Flinders Highway, McKinlay

Phone: N/A

Website: N/A

These four giant sculptures of bottle trees, made from recycled materials by artist Bernie Baker, are landmarks that celebrate the ecology and heritage of the region. They are visible from the highway and worth a stop for a photo or a picnic.

The Julia Creek Mural Trail

Address: various locations in Julia Creek

Phone: 07 4746 7690

Website: https://www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au/mural-trail

This trail features over 30 murals painted by local and visiting artists, depicting scenes from the town's past, present, and future. It is a self-guided tour that showcases the diversity and creativity of the community, with some murals also incorporating environmental and social messages.

The Winton Musical Fence

Address: Elderslie Street, Winton

Phone: 1300 665 115

Website: https://www.experiencewinton.com.au/winton-musical-fence/

This fence, designed by local musician Graeme Leak, consists of pipes, rods, and steel drums that produce different sounds and rhythms when tapped, clanged, or scraped. It is a unique and interactive public art installation that invites people of all ages and abilities to experiment with music.

Performing Arts

Theater and Shows

These venues and events offer live performances of various genres, such as drama, comedy, dance, music, and burlesque. They may have different seating arrangements, dress codes, and age restrictions, so check before attending.

The McKinlay Shire Hall

Address: 24 Railway Street, McKinlay

Phone: 0407 123 456

Website: N/A

This hall hosts occasional concerts, plays, markets, and other community events, featuring local and touring artists. It also provides a stage, sound system, and lighting for hire, for private functions or performances.

The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival

Address: various locations in Julia Creek

Phone: 07 4746 7690

Website: https://www.australianmining.com.au/features/dirt-n-dust-festival-celebrates-25-years/

This annual festival, held in April, is a major attraction for locals and visitors, as it offers a range of activities, such as bull rides, horse races, novelty races, live music, street parties, and a triathlon. It is also a showcase for the talent and creativity of the region, with competitions for painting, photography, cooking, and fashion.

Music and Dance

These businesses provide opportunities to learn, practice, and perform music or dance, in group or individual settings, with or without instruments. They may also sell or hire musical equipment or costumes.

The McKinlay War Memorial Club

Address: 39 Railway Street, McKinlay

Phone: 07 4746 7176

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Social-Club/McKinlay-War-Memorial-Club-118740476135836/

This club offers regular gigs and events featuring local and visiting musicians, as well as a licensed bar, a restaurant, and a pool table. It also supports the community through donations and fundraising.

The Julia Creek Dance Studio

Address: 25 Burke Street, Julia Creek

Phone: 0407 223 290

Website: N/A

This studio provides classes in various styles of dance, such as hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and tap, for all ages and levels. It also organizes recitals and performances for students to showcase their skills.

The Winton Musical and Dramatic Society

Address: 75 Elderslie Street, Winton

Phone: 0408 711 934

Website: https://www.facebook.com/WintonMusicalDramaticSociety/

This society aims to promote and foster the performing arts in the Winton region, through amateur theatrical productions, musical performances, and other cultural events. It welcomes members and volunteers from all backgrounds and skills.

Creative Arts

Crafts and Workshops

These businesses offer opportunities to learn and practice traditional or modern crafts, such as pottery, quilting, knitting, woodwork, or painting, in guided or self-initiated sessions, with or without materials provided. They may also sell or display handmade items.

The McKinlay Craft Centre

Address: 28 Railway Street, McKinlay

Phone: 07 4746 7259

Website: N/A

This centre provides a space for local crafters and artists to showcase and sell their creations, such as pottery, jewelry, paintings, and quilts. It also hosts occasional workshops and demonstrations, and caters for bus tours and travelers.

The Julia Creek Quilters and Crafters

Address: 20 Burke Street, Julia Creek

Phone: 07 4746 7106

Website: N/A

This group meets regularly to share skills, ideas, and stories about quilting, embroidery, knitting, and other crafts, as well as to organize charity projects, exhibitions, and social events. It welcomes anyone who is interested in these activities.

The Winton Community Garden

Address: 13 Oondooroo Street, Winton

Phone: 0428 625 406

Website: https://wintontourism.com.au/winton-community-garden

This garden, established and maintained by volunteers, offers a space for people to cultivate and share plants, vegetables, and herbs, as well as to participate in workshops, events, and markets related to gardening, cooking, and other skills. It also donates some of its harvest to local charities and organizations.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, a seasoned or a novice artist, a fan or a critic of the arts, McKinlay and its surrounding areas have much to offer in terms of creativity, diversity, and innovation. These businesses represent just a sample of the vibrant and active arts scene in this region, but they all contribute to the cultural richness and social well-being of their communities, through their products, services, events, and values. Check them out, support them, and enjoy!