Art is... ready to make its mark

Organisers of this year’s Art is… festival have encouraged Wimmera people to ‘make their mark’ throughout the 10-day event, which starts Friday.

Art is… committee member and Horsham Town Hall marketing co-ordinator Charee Smith said people did not have to be a ‘fan of the arts’ to enjoy the wide variety of activities on offer.

“The festival is now in its 24th year and has something for everyone,” she said.

“We’re hoping this year will be one of the biggest ever, which is a testament to the longevity of supporting arts in our community for the past two decades.”

This year’s theme is Art is… a footprint – Making your mark. “It’s all coming together really well – it’s really exciting,” Ms Smith said.

“Our major project for 2018 involves 14 community groups and ties in nicely with the theme of making your mark.

“Each of the groups will showcase their various styles of dance as part of the Inaugural Annual Dance Affair.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all the different dance skills and techniques come together.”

Horsham Town Hall will be transformed for the ‘part theatre performance, part get up and dance’ event.

Participants and the audience will revisit dances from past to present ‘in an evening of old time and new time dance-floor magic’.

“Dance halls were a collective hub for people to come to. This event offers a throwback to what the town hall was originally used for,” Ms Smith said.

“We’re very excited about the return of a big community dance hall experience presented in a 2018 format.

“It’s a return to the days of old time dancing, supper and competitions and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Inaugural Annual Dance Affair will be on Friday and Saturday nights at 7.30pm.

Action-packed

The festival boasts an action-packed program, including exhibitions at Horsham Regional Art Gallery and Natimuk’s Goat Gallery; the return of The Amazing – picture taking – Race; a street gallery and walking tour; a marketing art in the Wimmera-mallee session; an Art Matters winter show; a Horsham cinema film festival; a Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Landcare nature connection session; knitting, textile and printmaking workshops at Redrock Books and Gallery; the annual Rotary art fair; and a Natimuk market.

“We will also have events involving food along with live performances and live music,” Ms Smith said.

“We’re looking forward to having Yorta Yorta man Benny Walker and local Wergaia woman Alice Skye perform at the town hall on June 9.”

Ms Smith said Art Play Sunday at Horsham Regional Art Gallery from 1pm to 4pm on June 3 would also be a highlight for families.

“We will have Horsham’s biggest kids zone, jam packed with fun,” she said.

“There will be art and craft and other activities and the day will conclude with a fabulous children’s production of Super Circus Squad in the town hall theatre.

“There will also be a secure playgroup area for toddlers.”

Ms Smith said Art is… was an inclusive festival.

“There really is something for everybody. I encourage everyone to attend and to make their own mark,” she said.

Some events run throughout the festival while others are one-off experiences.

People can visit www.artiswimmera. com for a full schedule and more information about events.

Tickets for events at Horsham Town Hall are available online at www. horshamtownhall.com.au or at the box office.