As the sounds of the accordion echoed through the walkway between Bath Lane and Hargreaves Street, City of Greater Bendigo mayor Lisa Ruffell officially unveiled 12 new artworks at the Open Air Gallery. 

Local artists created unique pieces of work that will call the walkway home for the next two years. 

Bendigo artist Iain Wilson took about 80 hours to create his piece, which explores historic Bendigo. 

He said the walkway art pieces added vibrancy and interest to the city’s urban environment. 

“The role that art plays in the social fabric, the community dialogue and health should never be underestimated,” Mr Wilson said. 

“I feel fortunate to live in a city that embraces and supports the arts as much as the City of Greater Bendigo does. I think the health of the community can be measured by how much support and opportunity that it is given to its creative sector.”

Cr Ruffell said the dull walkway was redeveloped in 2010 into a bright and interesting lane. 

“The Bendigo CBD has a series of arcades and laneways that connect various streets in the CBD,” she said. “The work has created a colourful and interesting link between Bath Lane and Hargreaves Street.”