The council is expected to unveil tonight at the Glenelg Shire Business & Tourism Awards its plans to be part of South East By South West (SE x SW) – a cultural tourism initiative that aims to promote the talent that has arisen from an area that stretches from Warrnambool to Keith in South Australia.

The program is the brainchild of Mt Gambier-based musician and X-Factor runner-up Louise Adams, who is forming a working group with Glenelg Shire and other regional bodies. 

The pitch is a wide-ranging one that aims “to further enhance and develop our strengths as an artistic and cultural regional destination”, Adams said.

“SE x SW primarily involves artists who have a link to the region,” she said.

“You only need to scratch the surface (to see) the talent coming out of the south-east (of South Australia) and south-west (of Victoria) is immense.

“It’s time we acknowledge this in a big way, not only for the confidence and benefit of artists, but for the cultural pride and economic benefit of the region and the towns within it.

“It’s important for young kids here to know about people from their towns pursuing careers in the arts.”

The initiative will feature small year-round events across the region, including all-ages gigs, and shows that feature and celebrate locally connected musicians.

Adams said it was hoped SE x SW would then grow to support and collaborate with other arts events and programs in the region, including workshops and conferences, with an aim of “building brand awareness across the region and beyond, and to reinforce the mutual support between artists, community, business and the potential for all to benefit”.

It is also planned include a music festival initially expected to run every two years in locations such as Mt Gambier or Portland, with the opportunity for top local acts to perform alongside major headliners.

Adams said the shire was perfectly positioned to attract interest from South Australia and Victorian tourists, which would provide an economic boost to the region.