The Hilltops Off the Beaten Track Arts & Cultural Trail is set to return for its fourth year, bringing a vibrant collection of arts, culture, and community spirit to the Hilltops region.
Beginning on Saturday, March 1st running through to Sunday, March 23rd, the event is a grass-roots, community-run initiative that celebrates talent and creativity found throughout the Hilltops, including Harden, Boorowa, Young, and surrounding small towns like Wombat, Monteagle, Bulla Creek, and Murringo. Organised by a dedicated team including Sharon Smithers, Christine Burnett from Southern Cross Cinema, and Heather Ruhl from the Young Society of Artists, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.
“It’s grown to about 64 arts and cultural events on the trail this year, which is pretty amazing,” Sharon said.
“The event not only showcases our local artists but also involves businesses from the region, with artists exhibiting at wineries, breweries, and even at a gym in Harden. It’s creating a lot of buzz within the community. The collaboration among the art community across the Hilltops has blossomed over the years, with artists from the three major towns connecting and supporting each other year-round.
“Before Off the Beaten Track, many artists didn’t know each other, but now they’re attending each other’s events and really strengthening the community,” Sharon explained.
One of the key motivations for the trail’s success is its ability to bring people together.
“Heather Ruhl has always been passionate about the community supporting each other. She’s involved in so many community projects, including charity work,” Sharon shared.
“Christine Burnett, who heads up Southern Cross Cinema, is working to turn the Cinema into more of an arts and cultural hub. It’s not just a cinema anymore it’s a venue with the high-tech equipment to host stage shows and events like this.”
For Sharon, her passion for the event stems from her background in marketing and her love for event coordination. “I’ve been in marketing for a long time and fell in love with event marketing when I worked with the tourism team on the Council in 2023.
It’s been great to work with Heather and Chris to help bring this event to life,” she said. “I love the collaboration, and it’s been really exciting to see the event grow each year.”
The event offers flexibility for participants, allowing artists and venues to host events for a single day or throughout the weekend. The trail kicks off with a highly anticipated opening night on March 7th, which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hilltop Cinema in its Southern Cross Cinema building. Local filmmaker Kev Greaves will host a talk on movie explosions and stunts, and showcase a documentary he created about three local artists.
The opening night is a ticketed event ($25 per ticket), with all proceeds going toward next year’s event. The trail also incorporates special community celebrations, including Senior’s Week and Harmony Day. With events like Morning Melodies at the cinema and a bus service to get seniors involved, the trail ensures that everyone in the community can participate in the festivities.
A highlight of this year’s trail is a sculpting workshop led by Carl Valerius, the artist behind the life size statue of Bill the Bastard in Harden.
“Carl’s workshop at the end of the trail is a unique opportunity for people to learn sculpting from a master,” Sharon said.
“He’s been in the business for years, and to learn from him is a special experience.”
Another standout event is an exhibition at the Hard Rock Gym in Harden, which will feature art created by individuals facing challenges like homeless-ness and mental illness.
“This exhibition is really unique. It’s a chance for people who don’t usually get the opportunity to showcase their work to be part of the trail, and it’s something we’re really proud of,” Sharon said.
For more information about The Hilltops Off The Beaten Track events visit the website.
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