A small volunteer-led art gallery is helping to bring both community and economic benefits to Beaufort.
Art Trax Gallery operated by VicTrack community tenant the Pyrenees Arts Council makes its home in the historic Beaufort Station building.
VicTrack refurbished the building under the Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings program, which has seen more than 20 historic railway buildings in regional towns, sometimes unused for decades, restored and put back into use by local community groups.
“We’re here for the community. Events like high teas introduce people to art who would not normally come into an art gallery and helps make sure as many people as possible get to use this space. ”
Funding from VicTrack’s Community Grants Program in 2024 helped volunteers repaint the building and install tables and chairs to revitalise the outdoor area.
Art Trax’s calendar is packed with around eight exhibitions per year alongside an array of art-themed events including high teas, musical evenings, demonstrations and workshops.
“We’re here for the community,” said Heather Featherston, a member of Pyrenees Arts Council for over 20 years and its president for the last 19.
“Events like high teas introduce people to art who would not normally come into an art gallery and helps make sure as many people as possible get to use this space.”
The gallery’s main annual event is an art show held over the King’s Birthday Weekend. Run in partnership with Rotary, the art show brings an influx of visitors to
Beaufort and provides a boost to the local economy thanks to day trippers from Melbourne and other local towns, or people staying for the weekend.
“The weekend supports the wider town,” Heather said.
“Cafes and accommodation are really busy, and the op shops do a wondrous trade.”
Beyond exhibitions, the station has become a practical place for artists to create together. With art spaces limited, the gallery is opening up on quieter days to encourage newcomers to get involved.
“There’s a lot of new people in Beaufort and younger people and we’re trying to encourage them to be part of our art community,” Heather said.
“Our message is: If you want to bring some artwork, you’re more than welcome to work on it here and socialise with other artists.”
Art Trax Gallery is located at Beaufort Station, around 150 kilometres from Melbourne. V/Line trains on the Ararat line service Beaufort.
