It will be held over four weeks from August 8 and is a chance for local arts and craft groups to show their creativity.

Community art groups and clubs are invited to run workshops, seminars and events.

For the first time, ArtBeat will feature a public craft project that will involve knitted and crocheted scarves being wrapped around trees in the shire. Local knitting and crochet groups are being encouraged to get involved.

ArtBeat will incorporate the annual Melton Art Show, the public craft project, Art Day Out, and short-filmmaking workshops.

Melton Shire mayor Justin Mammarella said arts and culture groups and clubs were encouraged to plan and run their own events.

"ArtBeat is a wonderful opportunity for local arts and culture groups and clubs to engage

with the community and display

a diversity of art," he said.

Groups and clubs planning an event should contact the council by April 30.

Details: 97477200.