A St Arnaud community group has turned to a unique method of crowdfunding for its silo art project.
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St Arnaud ArtSpace is running a raffle, with the winner to have the opportunity to choose the mural or portrait to be painted on the side of of the St Arnaud Silo Gateway Project towers.
One ticket costs $10, giving people the chance to win the first prize valued at $46,000.
St Arnaud ArtSpace treasurer Helen Rigby said the raffle is crucial to funding the project.
"The cost of the total project is $92,000 - so $42,000 per 15 metre silo," she said.
Read more: Silo art trail expands to St Arnaud
"Obviously that is quite a bit of money so with this raffle we hope to gain plenty of interest from far and wide of people who want to contribute."
Northern Grampians Shire Council has allocated $20,000 to the project to be painted on the side of two silos at Ridley Agriproducts on McMahon Street, St Arnaud.
Mrs Rigby said her group came up with the idea when in discussions with Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman.
Mr Sleeman said he believes the competition is a good way to draw attention to the project.
"It is a very unique opportunity," he said.
"I think it's quite an innovative way of crowdfunding the painting of the silo as well as.
"Consumers coming out of Melbourne would make St Arnaud its first port of call so there is a fantastic opportunity for the town."
People will stay in St Arnaud rather than just driving through which is a big thing
- Helen Rigby
Mrs Rigby said St Arnaud ArtSpace has been busy fundraising and applying for grants as well as organising the raffle to cover the costs of the project.
"Costing is comprised of Kyle having his own insurance, a cherry picker, protective clothing, permits, scaffolding, paint equipment and so much more," she said.
The winner of the raffle can choose an image or portrait to be painted onto one silo, set into a scenery matching the other silo. The artwork will be executed by St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney, who will liaise with the winner.
Torney and the winner will discuss the painting to ensure it remains on the "same narrative" as the other silo he will paint.
"There are so many great things that could go up there, I can't wait to see who wins and what they choose," Mrs Rigby said.
That silo design has been put to the community for a vote, with Torney creating four designs for consideration. The most voted design will be chosen.
Mrs Rigby said community involvement was crucial for the project.
"Ridley allowed us to go ahead with painting their silos on the proviso we involved the community, which is exactly what we have done," she said.
The raffle will remain open until May 17, with the winner to be drawn on May 24 - the same night the popular vote design will be announced.
Tickets are available at rafflelink.com.au/silo-gateway
Mrs Rigby said there are hopes to begin the works this year.
"It is quite time critical - once the designs are selected work needs to commence in the autumn and winter period, because it isn't possible in summer," she said.
Mrs Rigby said the silo art will be massive for St Arnaud and could even spark more around the region.
"People will stay in St Arnaud rather than just driving through which is a big thing," she said.
"Ridley have also said they might look at painting some of their other silos around too which would be great to see."
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