South East Queenslandʼs premier arts organisations will spark an unearthing of Greater Springfieldʼs next generation of creatives at the opening of the inaugural Arts Magic Festival this week.
During Arts Magic 2022, a series of in-school movement, dance, and visual arts workshops is being held across Greater Springfield in September and October, both in public and at various local schools.
This innovative festival will culminate in a showcase event on October 14, at Robelle Domain, forming part of Springfield’s ongoing 30th-anniversary celebrations.
The likes of Queensland Ballet, QPAC, Circa Zoo, Australasian Dance Collective, Prospero Arts, and SWELL Sculpture will be heading to the city.
Arts Magic seeks to stimulate and activate the local arts and culture ecosystem and embed the important role that arts play in the past, present, and future of Springfield, according to Dr Richard Eden PSM, Springfield City Group’s Executive General Manager – Education and Smart City.
“We’re aiming to leave a lasting impression and to stimulate and ignite a love of arts in the hearts and minds of the region, which is part of the booming western corridor, the fastest growing of any region in Australia,” Dr Eden said.
Kicking off the festival this week, SWELL Sculpture is running free pop-up workshops for kids at Orion Springfield Central – held September 26 to 30, from 10am to 2:30pm daily, with bookings available online through Eventbrite (see links below).
SWELL Sculpture, which presents Queenslandʼs largest outdoor sculpture festival annually on the Gold Coast, is partnering with Brisbane-based art studio Monte Lupo for the workshops.
SWELL Sculpture Festival Executive Director Dee Steinfort said her organisation, along with Monte Lupo, were focussed on growing artist abilities and creative exploration.
“Springfield is turning 30 and SWELL is turning 20 this year, making it an important milestone for both organisations and it is now more important than ever to provide this platform for artists to dive into their imaginations and experiment outside of their day-to-day lives,” Ms Steinfort said.
“Art is cross-generational, making the festival a great way to connect the community. It is a way for people – from babes in arms to great grandparents – to come and collectively create memorable experiences.”
There is also an element of recovery to the festival.
“Throughout time, forever, art has always brought joy and inspiration to communities. During tough times and through crisis, the arts help recovery by connecting people and boosting social cohesion. We witnessed the transformative effects of arts and culture through SWELL Sculpture Festival during COVID,” Ms Steinfort said.
“We are extremely happy to be partnering with Springfield City Group and the other leading arts organisations that have thrown their support behind the first Arts Magic, which we want to see get bigger and better with every year.”
The free Pop-Up Workshops are located near Big W, at Orion Springfield Central, and run September 26 to 30, daily from 10am to 2:30pm.
For bookings, visit:
- Self Portrait Painting Workshops: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/arts-magic-self-portrait-painting-workshops-tickets-419384338847
- Secret Garden Mosaic Making Workshops: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/arts-magic-secret-garden-mosaic-making-workshop-tickets-419356475507
For more information contact Ainsley Pavey of 55 comms on 0417 792 212 or 3041 1115, or via email at ainsley@55comms.com.au.
