IF THERE'S one thing that Erin McCuskey is passionate about, it's the role that the arts could and should play in today's society.
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The local creative is an advocate for the arts and its contribution towards a fully-functioning community.
"If we turn our gaze to artists for solutions, to culture for meaning and to women as a powerful force for positive change; then wow," she said.
These themes are all present in McCuskey's latest venture Luxville.
The transmedia project involves a number of components all based around the mythical town of Luxville.
Set to unfold over the span of one year, the body of work features text, photography, moving image and experience.
"The project tells the tale of artists living outside the capital in a mythical place called Luxville," McCuskey said.
"Once grand, Luxville has lost some of its shine. The story is narrative and will be revealed over time at various events and happenings. Audiences can take a superficial look in one place, or get deeper story meaning through experiencing it in different places."
Luxville will kick off with a photographic exhibition entitled Luxville 5 as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
"McCuskey said the exhibition was about the artist as muse - inspired and also inspiring.
"The exhibition features portraits of five artists from the mythical city of Luxville, however they are also local artists who are muse for me, inspired and also inspiring." she said.
The project will also feature a film and online component, with Luxville’s first episode to be screened as part of the BIFB Film Festival.
The film festival will take place at the Regent Cinema every Monday from next week, and will also screen the feature films Salt of the Earth, Tim’s Vermeer, and Finding Vivian Maier.
Ms McCuskey said the Foto Biennale had never had a film component of this magnitude before.
“It’s like using one art form to inform people about another art form,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for people who like photography to learn about the stories behind photography from master filmmakers.”
Luxville 5 will be on show at the Regent Cinema between August 22 and September 20 with invitations available thereafter at the project website. For more information about Luxville, visit luxville.me
For more information about the BIFB Film Festival, visit ballaratfoto.org
