Art is... ready to be explored

Horsham’s Art is… festival committee has launched its 2017 program.

This year’s theme is Footprint: Moving Together.

The 10-day annual festival engages rural and isolated communities in high-quality art experiences and art making.

The festival uses art as a vehicle for community connection and growth.

Art is… has a claim as Australia’s premiere co-created arts festival and provides opportunities for artists, partners, organisations, groups and individuals to influence the planning, delivery, growth and governance of the festival.

The festival runs from June 2 to 11 and events include performances, interactive activities, photo musters, exhibitions and a Rotary art fair.

Festival organisers have encouraged artists, performers, school teachers and students to make the most of this year’s program.

Organisers said the festival’s ‘Encounter’ section was back in 2017 and would feature a performance in Horsham Town Hall theatre on June 5.

Artists will tell the story of Jules Verne’s classic Journey to the Centre of the Earth through storytelling, mime, puppetry, miniature worlds inside suitcases, special umbrellas and an erupting volcano. The session, from 10am to 11am, costs $7 for students.

Teachers and artists can participate in a two-day professional development course at Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Castlemaine performing arts company Such as They Are will host the April 28 and 29 workshop, from 9am to 4pm. The course costs $150.

People can call 0428 871 227 or email ueba@bigpond.com for more information or to register.

People can visit www.artiswimmera.com for a copy of the program.