The Honourable Steve Bracks, former premier of Victoria and by his own proud admission Ballarat born-and-bred, is a new ambassador for the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB).
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Biennale creative director Fiona Sweet told The Courier exclusively Mr Bracks had agreed to become an ambassador for the bi-yearly photographic exhibition, which was founded in 2005, attracts around 180,000 visitors to the city every two years and provides millions of income to Ballarat through tourism and accommodation.
Ms Sweet said Mr Bracks’ acceptance of the role of ambassador will bring the added respect not only of the local community, but of communities around Australia and internationally for future Biennales.
Mr Bracks joins Julian Burnside AO QC, Judge Sara Hinchey and Samantha McIntosh as incumbent mayor in being a representative for the Biennale, which is the largest regional photographic exhibition in Australia and a major drawcard for the arts in Australia.
“Steve Bracks sits on many boards in Australia and he is involved in the community in so many ways, it’s a real privilege to have him accept so happily an ambassadorship for the Foto Biennale,” Ms Sweet told The Courier.
“It will really help the profile of the Biennale whenever he talks on our behalf. I hope that in having Mr Bracks as an advocate for us, it will give us a stronger position as we look for funding for the new National Centre For Photography.
“He stressed how much he loved coming to the Biennale when I met him yesterday afternoon.”
The BIFB has recently purchased the former Union Bank as a new home and exhibition space.
The 8th Ballarat International Foto Biennale runs August 23 to October 20, 2019.
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