The 2017 River of Art Festival starts tomorrow, Friday the 19th May. The months of preparation, coordination and anticipation all come together tomorrow with a program of 120 installations, workshops, performances and other events that sees this year's Festival extend beyond the Eurobodalla Shire, with events in most towns from South Durras to Bermagui. Events in Batemans Bay have increased significantly this year and the River of Arts organisers are very excited that Four Winds is participating.
The Festival is run by a committee of volunteers who have spent many months working to lay the foundations for their best Festival yet in 2017. The Festival this year begins with the Opening Ceremony on Friday 19 May, at Bodalla Hall, with an after-party at the Waterfront Hotel in Moruya. Mayor Liz Innes will be there with Andrew Constance, our local member, and Ann Sudmalis, the federal member for Gilmore. The Waterfront Hotel will then be the venue for the After Party. On Saturday fifty-five local artists will have their artworks on display and for sale at the Creator’s Bazaar at the Moruya Country Markets, while local musicians and dancers entertain on the built for purpose stage.
There will be two Art Prizes this year. One at SoART in Narooma, and the second, a Youth Art Prize, in Bateman’s Bay.
The fabulous Wearable Art Fashion Parade is on again in Moruya.
Artists from South Durras through to Bermagui will open their studios to visitors, and many businesses have partnered with local artists to exhibit art works and collectables of all kinds.
There is the screening of the stunning film – TANNA, a fabulous Poetry Slam, lots of great workshops, and a host of community events.
This year sees the addition of the National Busking Competition in Narooma on 27 May during the River of Art – working together with Rotary.
There are two new categories to the River of Art this year, the Art of Gardening as well as Comedy with South Tribe in Bateman’s Bay.
And as always there is great music all across the Shire including a performance at Four Winds, south of Bermagui.
The BEST way to enjoy the next 10 days of Arts and the many events on offer is to check out the full program on the RoA website (www.riverofart.com.au) and keep up with latest news on their Facebook page. Most of our events are free, but where there is a charge for workshops and performances, tickets can be purchased on the RoA website.
The 2017 festival program is available at outlets across the Shire or you can download a copy of the official program here.
