In two weeks’ time the third annual Whitsundays Arts Festival will be invigorating our region with a flash of colourful culture as we celebrate our creative community and inspiring environment.
Everyone is invited to experience fun, interactive, and vibrant arts events over the two-week long festival.
From arts workshops to multicultural performances, the popular hand-made markets, impressive art installations and live original music shows, there will be entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
This year, for the first time the festival has spread its wings further afield, screening two movies at the new Proserpine Entertainment Centre, in partnership with Film and Arts Mackay and the Whitsunday Regional Council.
In addition, the inaugural Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency will invite six of Queensland’s finest musicians to mentor emerging artists who will then perform at The Belvedere, Toscana Village Resort.
Saturday, September 24
The opening ceremony will take place on the Airlie Beach Foreshore, officially opened by Mayor Julie Hall.
Uncle Harry Bowen, owner of the main strip’s only First Nation’s art gallery will also play his original music.
This is followed by storytelling through song by the Namarca Corowa band, playing original reggae, blue and funk style music.
The ceremony culminates when the art installation Scarewood, which won the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Townsville Ephemera, comes alive through projections and recordings.
Sunday, September 25
Come on down to the Airlie Beach foreshore for the ever-popular Handmade Art Markets with over 50 stalls. Meet the makers and peruse artisanal homewares, handmade gifts, treats, and try your hand at some of their crafts.
The full day of festivities also includes mandala-making on the beach, Aboriginal art exhibitions and storytelling, African drumming, Torres Strait Island dancers, ukulele workshops and performances, Fijian performers, and a dance performance by Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe with fire demonstrations and didgeridoo performances.
There’s also a dedicated marquee for the kids to join artists Sofia Fortunato and Lisa Ashcroft for free art workshops.
For more information about the workshops leading up to the festival from September 17 and other event details head to whitsundaysartsfestival.org
WHAT: Whitsunday Arts Festival
WHEN: 17 – 30 September
WHERE: Airlie Beach and Proserpine
Fun and frivolity at the 2021 Whitsundays Arts Festival
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