They Are Us is a collaborative ekphrastic art exhibition involving Central Highlands writers, operating under the WOL banner, and Soldiers Hill Artist Collective.

The writers composed short fiction and poetry on the theme of “They Are Us”, selected by SHAC, to which randomly drawn artists have created responses in a range of media, including painting, photography, woodwork and textiles.

The writers engaged with a broad range of subjects, from intergenerational meditations, warfare and immigration, to alien encounters and environmental concerns.

The free launch is open to all.

It will be at the Lounge Gallery, Billy’s Bar, at the Mercure at 613 Main Rd, Ballarat, on Thursday February 27 at 6.30pm.

City of Ballarat’s deputy mayor, Cr Belinda Coates, will be doing the honours.

Reuben Morgan (of the BallaRat Pack), who composed a gorgeous piece for the previous WOL-SHAC collaboration Weathering the Future in 2018, has again written a bespoke theme piece and will perform it on the night.

Drink and nibbles supplied, with huge thanks to the Mercure. No RSVP needed.

Any assistance in spreading the word is greatly appreciated, and of course, the more the merrier on the night. There is a Facebook event for those who would like to share that.

We’re particularly grateful to Radmac Office Choice in Ballarat for the generous donation of foam core board on which to display the written works.

The exhibition runs from February 24 to April 5.