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. 

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• 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