With more than 200 arts delegates expected to head to the Central West Region this November for Artstate Bathurst, Regional Arts NSW has announced the program for the four-day event at the Australian Museum earlier this week.
“Artstate demonstrates that regional New South Wales is at the epicentre of national and international discourse about the vital relationship the arts to communities,” said Chair of Regional Arts NSW, Stephen Champion. “It does this by focusing on creative practice and creative partnerships of the highest order.”
Artstate is a four-year program presented by Regional Arts NSW which aims to shine a light on excellence in regional arts practice and to explore the exciting possibilities for arts and cultural development across the state. The event will include a line-up of inspirational speakers alongside a multi-genre arts program showcasing the very best in arts from the Central West region.
Hosting an eclectic line-up of emerging and seasoned storytellers across the most iconic museums home to the Central West, this year’s Artstate festival in Bathurst demonstrates the sheer diversity and depth of talent across throughout the regions, and the world of opportunity it provides for fostering the next generation of artists in NSW.
Artstate Bathurst will feature a two-day conference program including keynote speakers from Australia and overseas discussing the themes of A Sense of Place and Robust Regions. Keynote speakers include Wiradjuri artist Jonathon Jones; Director of Findhorn Bay Arts in Scotland, Kresanna Aigner; and Manager of Placemaking at Panuku Development Auckland, Frith Walker.
Accompanying the conference program is an extensive arts program which is open to the public and includes three new projects being created by artists in residence at three of Bathurst’s museums, including the world premiere of a new work from the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre in collaboration with Australian Theatre for Young People, The Climbing Tree.
Local country duo Smith & Jones and the Regional Youth Orchestra will feature as part of an extensive free music program; and Screenwave will present a series of short films by young regional artists. The visual arts program includes exhibitions at Bathurst Regional Gallery, the newly activated Tremain’s Mill cultural precinct and outdoor work in Machattie Park.
“As a major drawcard for both locals and tourists and an everyday supporter of the State’s economy, Artstate is a shining example of the life and colour that artists inject into our communities,” said Minister for the Arts, the Hon Don Harwin MLC. “Our government has dedicated $100 million in funding under the Regional Cultural Fund towards ensuring every community across NSW receives its fair share of culture and the arts.”
Artstate Bathurst takes place 1 – 4 November 2018. For more information, program and speaker line-up and to register, visit: www.artstate.com.au for details.
Image: Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) presents The Climbing Tree – photo by Phil Blatch