Hey all,
As Art Sparks curator I am getting pretty excited for our end of year celebrations happening next Sunday. Hope you can all make it along!
The first part of the event will take place from 2pm in the theatre at M.A.D.E (Musuem of Australian Democracy at Eureka). Local writer and artist Barry Breen will be helping out, chatting with our fabulous artists as part of the programme.
Painter Marlene Gilson is fresh from the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards (this great exhibition closes today!) and the exciting acquisition of her work ‘Mount Warrenheip and Eureka Stockade 2013’ by the Art Gallery of Ballarat. How fitting to speak with her on the very site that this work depicts, exploring an often untold aspect of the Eureka story:
“The Ballarat people played a big role on the Ballarat goldfields and at the Eureka Stockade- my ancestors the Wadawurrung clan cared for the miners’ children in the bush as the battle raged. I also acknowledge the Woirung and Boonerung clans, proud native police and black trackers. They are all a part of Ballarat’s history.”
And as another part of Ballarat’s history, we have local documentary filmmakers Wind & Sky Productions who will be sharing their recent film made about the Ballarat National Theatre:
“This short documentary explores the history of the Ballarat National Theatre through the eyes of past and present members and asks why community theatre is relevant today.” What a treat to screen this.
Also in the mix, is local musician Earl Leonard who “sings story-songs, heavy rock’n’roll, dark and stormy blues and joyful, energetic children’s music.” If we’re lucky there may even be costumes. And for the icing on the cake Lynden Nicholls, with 40 years of creative work behind her and many more to come, who has “performed in major state festivals, theatres from the Malthouse to La Mama, galleries, zoos, studios, and streets and unexpected places.” Lynden will share some of her recent photography as well as some surprise, democracy inspired antics.
To capture it all, also keep a look out for and say hello to our guest photographer Ajit Narsi:
“Photography is something that is very special to me… I try to create fresh and dynamic stills of life as I see it, with lots of my own vision and whim folded in.” You might recognise some of his photos that recently won the Ballarat Through My Eyes Competition.
The loose theme of the programme is ‘connections through art’ between thoughts, forms, people, histories, also providing a chance for us all to make new connections within the creative community of Ballarat and surrounds.
The indoor programme will be followed by a chance to explore the museum and more creative fun out in Eureka Park from 3.30. Bring a picnic, your near and dear, and we’ll provide the rest!
See you there,
Amy Tsilemanis (Tinderbox Radio)
With big thanks to all our volunteers and our supporters City of Ballarat Arts & Culture and our venue for this event M.A.D.E.