Originally founded on gold and later as a Spa Town, Daylesford and its surrounds has long attracted creatives to this region.  It was clear that there was  a strong need to create a community arts group that would serve the large number of hobbyists, amateurs and professionals that live in the Shire who had no forum in which to meet, socialise or exhibit.  Due to the dominance of the commercial gallery sector, their work was for the most part, hidden from view.  In response to this, the Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative was formed.

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In mid-2021, the Hepburn Shire was approached with a proposal to utilise No. 94 Vincent Street, Daylesford as a Pop-Up space as it was unused due to COVID.  Council agreed to a trial and were able to cover the cost of Building and Public Liability Insurance.  With their support through 2022-23 the group has successfully conducted 7 long-weekend events with an average of over 250 people.  Judging from our Visitor Comment Books,  it is clear that the events resonate both within our community and those from further afield.

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Membership is made up of many artists working in various mediums and methods: painters, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists,  woodworkers and textile artists.  Since we are an arts group,  our  long-term vision is to be inclusive of creatives in the performing,  digital and literary arts,  as well as film,  video and photography.  For this we will need a permanent space, something we are actively seeking support for.