Ballarat’s champion runner and Biennale of Australian Art (BOAA) ambassador Steve Moneghetti is concerned the next lap he’ll run around Lake Wendouree will be his slowest ever.
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He’s leading an Art Run around Ballarat’s famous body of water, which is the venue for 36 sculptures as part of the inaugural art festival.
The run, on Sunday November 4, will pause every 150 metres to consider the works, and to hear explanations by BOAA artistic director Julie Collins about the merits of each one.
Steve Moneghetti emphasises the run is not a sporting event or race.
“It’s about as far from that as possible,” he says.
“It’s an experience. Even you could cope, Caleb,” he laughs.
While he readily admits he’s no artist himself, the Commonwealth Games marathon gold medal winner, says we all can find artistic pleasure and appreciation in whatever we do.
“While I’ve been the subject of a portrait or two, I’m not really arty myself, but we all appreciate it in our own way. In my running, out in the forest and environment, it’s artful. Running can be graceful.”
“What I can tell you is I have really enjoyed having the installations around the lake. I’ve spent my whole life here, I do hundreds of laps of the lake; but the colour and the interest of these sculptures breaking up the landscape of the lake, it’s been an absolute bonus and surprise I had never contemplated.”
He says it’s a credit to the BOAA team for having the vision to install works around the lake, and he’s noticed a significant increase in foot traffic recently.
“It’s given me a reason to stop now. Sometimes when I’m running around the lake, it’s like I’m on a mission, so it good to have a reason to pause.”
Starting and ending at Loreto Point, the Art Run begins at 9.30am for check-in, before heading off at 10am led by Steve Moneghetti. He estimates the lap will take a bit over an hour
The Art Run will be followed with a gig by Melbourne music legend Lisa Miller and her Rock’N’Roll Trio. Food, coffee and drinks will be available from the BOAA Pit Stop at Loreto Point.
Entry to the Art Run is included in a BOAA pass, which now runs to the end of the festival on Novenmber 6. There are limited numbers, and those interested can register online at boaa.net.au/tickets. Participants receive an Art Run t-shirt, drink bottle and BOAA showbag.
