Shepparton Arts Festival (Day 17)

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 17 - Create, Create, Create.

The last and final day of the '2017 Shepparton Festival'. This was not a time to grieve, but celebrate.  For the festival's last hoorah, I participated in the "Slam in Shep Workshop'. It was essentially a basic poetry workshop located at the Aussie Hotel on Fryers Street. The workshop was situated upstairs in a posh indoor setting. The participants varied in age, experience and culture. But, this poetry workshop was no ordinary poetry workshop...  

It was hosted by Joel McKerrow, a writer, community arts worker and one of Australia's renowned poets. His insightful words and passion for poetry inspired not only myself but others as well. The intensity and atmosphere of the room throughout the session was indeed spine tingling.

"Create, because this is who you are!"

"Creativity = Risk ... you must push the boundaries to evoke a response"

"Create, Create, Create!"

McKerrow highlighted the importance of creativity and imagination. When writing participants were asked not to write in attempt to please others. But to think outside the box and free the mind into a creative state. It was an interesting task to be apart of. 

However, despite the brilliance of the workshop, there were negatives during the session. The acoustics of the room at times were difficult to manage. The room's air-conditioning seemed to be the main catalyst, causing vibrations which produced a loud rattling that echoed through the room. This inconvenience made it difficult at times to understand McKerrow's  words.

But to McKerrow's credit he continued with the workshop without being distracted nor frustrated.

McKerrow acknowledged the importance of connecting with people when writing and that the theme of 'Mapping Shep' spoke to him as a positive embracement.

Overall, the Festival has succeeded in attempting to connect community groups with each other. By bridging a link between different cultures and ethnic groups, the Shepparton Festival has demonstrated the importance of connecting via 'Mapping'   

From Left -  Joel McKerrow, Poet Workshop


























 

Shepparton Arts Festival (Day 16)

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 16 - Aim For The Gaps.

 Saturday the 18th of March, the second last day of the 'Shepparton Festival'. An enjoyable and insightful day that consisted of interviewing two artists and interpreting the efforts they have given to the festival itself. Both artists attended the Shepparton campus at Latrobe University and were asked multiple questions in regards to their backgrounds in the field of arts and also what their thoughts and opinions were in relation to the festival itself.

John Head, a former festive director and life member of the Shepparton Festival,  discussed his background and knowledge of the Shepparton Festival and his desired plans for the future of Shepparton. Head stated, a project is already in  process of being developed at the Victoria Lake in Shepparton. Head did not go into a great deal of detail but the project does sound interesting.

Gerard Van Dyke, a theatrical performer and producer, was the other artist whom attended the Shepparton campus. Van Dyke gave an insightful talk about the dedication, time and commitment that goes into creating a production of a live performance. It was claimed that on average, each of Van Dyke's productions required eighteen -twenty four months of work to complete. This claim was astonishing! A sixty minute production takes two years to create? Seriously! However, a highlight of Van Dyke's discussion was a simple quote he left for the Latrobe students to follow and take in when studying,  "Aim for the Gaps!" a unique and simple suggestion. The Latrobe students were left intrigued by such a recommendation. Much like Van Dyke's hair, the creativity of his imagination is right outside of the box.

Overall, both artists contested that the festival has been a positive influence on the Shepparton community and that the theme of 'Mapping' was an intelligent and relatable theme towards the celebration of Shepparton's multiculturalism. John Head described the importance of  diversity and ethnic community groups within the Greater City Shepparton population, "It is important to expand and connect different cultures by bridging together ... to accommodate spirits and people from around the world in one location". No surprise that John is a life member after dedicating fifteen years towards the arts .

From Left - Sue Gillett (Writer's in Action Subject Coordinator), John Head and Gerard Van Dyke

 

T.G.I.F.

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 15 - Friday

 Happiest day of the week in my opinion but it only lasts 1,440 out of 10,080

(Day 14) Thursday

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 14 - Thursday

A sunny bright day which was pleasant to the eyes and skin. Two more sleeps.

(Day 13) - Wednesday

 

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 13 - Wednesday

Hump Day , Why do they call it 'Hump Day' ? , does Wednesday come with a camel, or does it mean speed humps are situated on roads ?

(Day 12) - Tuesday

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 12 - Tuesday

A snail day which lingered for hours on end. Awaiting tomorrows secret !

(Day 11) - The Most Painful Day Of The Week ?

 

Welcome to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival.

This blog will cover insights and access to the 2017 Shepparton Arts Festival. 

_______________________________________________________________________

• Day 11 - The Most Painful Day Of The Week ?

It was in contention of claiming the prize.