Articles

Jayke, Roving reporter

Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival 2009

Get ready for some late nights in March 2009! Running from February 27 to 22 March, the Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival burst onto the streets of Mildura on 28 February with the inaugural Mardi Gras parade.

Over 12,000 people packed the city for the parade and street party, enjoying a great meal alfresco on Langtree or just enjoying the sights and sounds. But this was just the beginning of what will be an incredible 24 days, with over 100 artists across two states during 40 events.

The Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival is an annual event, drawing thousands to the region. It showcases hundreds of artists, some nationally and internationally renowned, but also some that wouldn't normally get seen. The festival transforms Sunraysia into the arts capital of Australia for a month, and is a huge event for the community.

The festival has been running for 15 years. It began back in 1994 as a small writing event. Now it has grown into the biggest event in the region and in the past has showcased artists like Tim Rogers, Kiss Chasey, Rocket Science and The Whitlams.

What's the lineup for 2009?

2009 is set to be another huge year for the festival. One of the biggest events of the festival is the Concert Under the Stars at the majestic Perry Sandhills. This year Paul Kelly will be pleasing the crowd with his singing talents, against the backdrop of the spectacular sand dunes.

Taking note of the difficult times we are facing at the moment, the festival includes many comedy acts this year. These include, the Last Bucket of Water, a comedy about a group who's mission it is to save the last bucket of water on earth. Another act is the Needle and the Damage Done. Fiona Scott-Norman will lead audiences through an outrageously funny and entertaining top-ten of the worlds most cringe-worthy songs.

Exhibitions of all shapes and sizes are available for viewing within the next month. The artists on show include Filomena Coppola, Geoffrey Ricardo, Wangumma Artists and many more. There are also some amazing installations around town, including Big hART Gold Crop and Almost Always Everywhere Apparent. These are large, interactive pieces of art.

Workshops on a wide range of subjects are available for anyone who would like to take part. These include ukulele and art workshops for young people. The art classes are free.

An annual event within the arts festival is the Big Screen Film Festival. Both iconic and new Australian films are shown on a huge travelling screen and also at the Deakin Cinema Complex. This years line up includes *Children of the Silk Road, Rabbit Proof Fence, The Black Balloon* and many, many more.

Interview with Helen Healy, Festival Director

Helen managed to find time in her extra busy schedule to have a quick chat with me about the festival.

Helen's been directing the festival for the past four years, and she says she loves every minute of it! "The festival is extremely important to the Sunraysia community," says Helen, "We just want to include as many people as possible."

Helen's aim is to make the festival the best it can be and she wants people to trust that she and the festival will put on a great month of entertainment. Her biggest hope for the future of the festival is "to be able to put a big SOLD OUT sign on all the events".

There's no question that the Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival is one of Sunraysia's biggest and most amazing events of the year. If you live in the region or plan on visiting during the fest get yourself down to as many events as you can. You won't regret it!

For further info, including a full program and ticketing details, visit www.artsmildura.com.au/mwaf (new window).

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