River of Art 2010
21 – 30 May 2010
In May we rode the rapids of the River of Art and its incredible program of film, music, visual arts and literature. It really was a grass roots, community driven celebration of the enormous wealth of talent we have in the Shire.
River of Art 2009
Promises an exciting community celebration
Between 8 and 16 May in Moruya and throughout the Shire, this year’s wonderful River of Art community celebration will flood into action. The program promises something for everyone.
To begin with, twelve beautifully designed banners will line the main street of Moruya. Lead by local artist, Keedah Throssell, a team of extraordinary high school students brought an enormous spectrum of images together to design and craft these wonderfully unique works of art that will last for years to come. The banners contain images designed by students from Moruya Pre-school Kindergarten, Moruya Public School, St. Mary’s Parish Primary School and Moruya High School and are a real tribute to all young people, their fresh insight and celebration of our community. The project has been made possible by Festivals Australia, an Australian Government program which supports cultural activity at regional and community festivals.
River of Art 2009 includes a feast of exhibitions from one end of the Shire to the other. The festival will kick off at 6pm on Friday 8 May with Sourcing the River, an exhibition of works by local artists, Stuart Whitelaw and Carmen Ky, at the Mechanics Institute followed by an art auction in the RSL Hall, with all the proceeds to go towards the Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Eurobodalla (SAGE) project.
People interested in portraiture will be inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s Manager of Education and Visitor Services, Pamella Clelland Gray, who will speak at the Art Exchange – Moruya Library on ‘Portraits in Context: Historical and Contemporary’.
If that is not enough, you may like to sing to your heart’s delight and be a part of the Deep River Choir Transcend In ‘C’ and be a part of making music. You can dance your socks off to The Normals & Friends at the Air Raid Tavern (Evening of May 15th). Alternatively there will be a bit of rock’n’roll with The Sustains or you can get Jam Pact at The Waterfront Hotel.
For all the family, Moruya Markets will be hosting an Art Street as part of their usual stalls. This provides marketgoers with a great opportunity to enjoy and purchase local wares, try their hands at kite making, and admire the Dragon Boats. If that is not enough, Art Central will be hosting one of their legendary Hands On Art Days, with neighbouring events including Gypsy Circus and Rail Jam.
The River of Art festival also includes word and film events, including a performance by Janet Dadd at the Moruya Book Shop and an opportunity to Eat Your Words at Nature’s Table with the Write On Writer’s brunch and a film trip from the Tigris to the Eurphrates courtesy of the Moruya Film Club’s annual Foreign Film Festival.
For more information on the River of Art festival, grab a copy of the program which will be available this week from venues around town, including Cafes, your local library and the Council building in Moruya.
Information Contact
For more information on any of the River of Art programs, please contact:
Monika McInerney, ESC Cultural Planning & Development Officer on 4474 1061 or monika.mcinerney@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au .
Art Stream Brochure
Eurobodalla Shire Council in collaboration with River of Art is preparing a brochure to promote the wealth of visual arts practitioners, galleries and eateries within the Shire. It is envisaged that this brochure will have a life beyond the festival.
The inaugural brochure will be launched as part of the 2009 River of Art, 8 – 16 May 2009. Although the River of Art is centred in Moruya, the River of Art now follows the following objectives;
- Effectively engage the community in participating and celebrating the Arts
- Successfully promote local and surrounding regional artists and arts collectives
- Develop strategic partnerships with local businesses, sponsors and funding bodies
- Present an inclusive unique and eclectic program
- Be inspirational for the future sustainability of the River of Art.
The River of Art’s vision for its future is “The River of Art be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as a celebration of creativity.”
It is a great opportunity for artists, arts groups, eateries and galleries to promote themselves, increase their membership, profile and public awareness.
Download: Art Stream Brochure Registration Form
