COWS are the focus of an new art competition initiated by Canegrowers Mackay as part of its commitment to community engagement across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday in the lead-up to its second annual agricultural exhibition: AG.Trade.Life 2014.
Canegrowers Mackay communications manager and Ag show co-ordinator Sonia Ball said the cows would be a popular and colourful exhibition at the event at the Mackay Showgrounds on May 23-24.
“This is a non-profit initiative aimed at drawing attention to the significance of agriculture across these regions, and also to raise awareness of the importance of primary industries, our producers and growers as well as our future,” Ms Ball said.
“We’ve just started and already everyone we’ve talked to is excited and keen to get their cows – we’ve got a feeling that this novel and colourful project is going to be a hit with all ages, and businesses,” she said.
Ms Ball said the cow project was a two-pronged initiative.
“One part, the Central Signs Cow Art Competition, is an open competition with prizes for children and adults - you simply pay a small entry fee ($10 children and youth classes and $12 adults), fill out the entry form, take your cow home and decorate or paint it and then return it to the place you got it from before the deadline for judging and exhibiting at Community Bank®AG.Trade.Life 2014.”
This competition – themed Agriculture - is being coordinated by art savvy group Out of the Box Shop at the Upstairs Gallery at Paxton’s in River Street under the guidance of Margaret Burgess.
The second part is the Central Signs Supporters of Agriculture | Business Cows, which is an opportunity for all businesses (whether agriculturally aligned or not) to show their support for the agricultural sectors across these three regions by purchasing a ‘cow’ for $65 (plus GST), having it ‘branded’ with their business names/ logos or messaging and then returning it to the place of purchase.
“These business cows will be featured in a ‘cow paddock’ being constructed for us by our great supporters at Landmark Mackay – the cows will be on show for the two day agricultural event under the banner Central Signs Supporters of Agriculture.
“This is a very affordable and straightforward way for businesses to take a front seat at our show and express their support for agriculture in a completely different, and quite cute and creative way.”
She said support for the idea had been ‘quite staggering’ with Central Signs’ Paul and Jamie-Lee Minchin signing on as the major sponsor, along with Out of the Box Shop and Landmark. Mackay Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council were also supporting the initiative.
Ms Ball said all proceeds from the sale of ‘business cows’ would cover costs with any excess proceeds going to QCWA’s Public Rural Crisis Fund and the volunteer art group.
“We’ve got some great ‘cow guardians’ who are prepared to help us get these cows across the regions so don’t hesitate to call in at any of the following businesses to get your competition or business cow!”
Cows are available at the following locations:
Proserpine: Hoof and Horn Saddlery and Produce, Bruce Highway; Moranbah: Allmyne Consulting & Training Services, Griffin Street; Clermont: Commercial Hotel, 80 Capella Street; Mackay: Central Signs, Victoria Street, Out of the Box Shop, Upstairs Gallery, Paxton’s on River Street; Canegrowers Mackay, 120 Wood Street.