ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 is a four-day conference and festival that will take place from 27 to 30 October. Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts, Troy Grant MP, launched it recently at the Sydney Opera House.
This marks the first time in over a decade that the national conference for regional arts has been held in New South Wales and it will feature contributions from Narrandera-based artists, including Vic McEwan.
This biennial event will feature national and international keynote speakers and panels, facilitated forums, workshops, and discussions surrounding three key themes within the arts sector: Regeneration, Connectedness and Emergence. Each theme will explore contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities through research, debate and collaboration.
Narrandera-based artist Vic McEwan from The CAD Factory will be heavily involved in the ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 program. McEwan is working with Artistic Director Greg Pritchard, Mullumbimby's Joey Ruigrok and Natimuk's Dave Jones to create an amazing opening ceremony for the conference. It is expected to be a spectacle rarely seen in Regional NSW.
Complementing the conference is the ARTLANDS Festival that will feature a line-up of artists and performers never seen together in regional NSW right on the streets of Dubbo. Curated by festival director, Greg Pritchard, the program will include musicians Heath Cullen, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, Dave Mason & Brendan Gallagher and Radical Son.
Furthermore, internationally acclaimed curator Djon Mundine will curate a new exhibition of work by regional NSW Aboriginal artists, Old Land New Marks, and regional physical theatre companies, FLiNG and Lingua Franca will perform their latest works.
Presented by peak organisations Regional Arts Australia and Regional Arts NSW and supported by Dubbo City Council, the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 is the must-attend event for artists and arts workers living and working in regional Australia.
The regional city of Dubbo is located 600kms west of Sydney and its 40,000-plus residents are preparing to host 1,000 conference delegates and festivalgoers. The event will showcase the city's taste and enthusiasm for the arts in all its forms.
The ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 program information and tickets are available at artlands.com.au
Photo of Troy Grant MP launching ARTLANDS supplied.