By Robert Upe
Artist's impression: Art Series Hotel Group's Bendigo property.
The edgy Art Series Hotel Group is making its first foray into country Victoria with a hotel to open in Bendigo next year.
The group, known for its art-inspired hotels The Olsen in South Yarra, The Blackman in St Kilda Road, Melbourne, and The Cullen in Prahran also announced on Tuesday that it will open another city hotel at Parkville.
The names of the new properties are yet to be revealed, but like their predecessors they will carry the moniker of leading Australian contemporary artists.
The new hotels and residences will be filled with original artwork and prints, art books, art utensils and will have a dedicated art channel. They will also have access to free wi-fi, unique art tours and art classes.
Staff will be trained to provide informative tours of the hotel artwork and insights into the best cultural experiences in each locality.
The Art Series Hotel Group is the creation of Melbourne entrepreneur Will Deague.
The Cullen was the first of his hotels to open in 2009, followed by The Olsen and The Blackman in 2010.
The Bendigo property is scheduled to open in May, followed by Parkville. Another hotel, The Watson, is set to open in Adelaide next July.
Bendigo has been making its mark in the arts world in recent times with edgy showings at the Bendigo Art Gallery, including the popular wedding dress exhibition and the Grace Kelly exhibition that contributed $16 million to the local economy.
The gallery is currently showing "Modern Love", featuring fashion designers from around the world, and for next year has "The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece", a collection of 100 pieces from the British Museum's Greek and Roman collection.
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