Southeast 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 month.
The innovative festival in Greater Springfieldʼs 30th year culminates in a showcase event on Friday, October 14 at Robelle Domain in collaboration with Queensland Ballet, QPAC, Circa Zoo, Australasian Dance Collective, Prospero Arts and SWELL Sculpture.
Dr Richard Eden PSM, Springfield City Groupʼs Executive General Manager – Education and Smart City – says 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 city.
“Weʼre 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.
This week, free paint and mosaic workshops are being held by the internationally renowned SWELL Sculpture, which presents Queenslandʼs largest outdoor sculpture festival annually on the Gold Coast.
SWELL Sculpture Festival Executive Director Dee Steinfort said her organisation, along with Monte Lupo, were focussed on growing artistsʼ abilities and creative exploration throughout several festival workshops at Orion Shopping Centre and in schools across Greater Springfield.
“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 to come from babes in arms to great grandparents to 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, connecting people and boosting social cohesion. We witnessed the transformative effects of arts and culture through SWELL Sculpture Festival during COVID.
“We are extremely happy to be partnering with Springfield City Group and the other leading arts organisation that have thrown their support behind the first Arts Magic, which we want to see get bigger and better with every year.”
SWELL Sculpture is hosting the free Pop-Up Workshops at Orion Springfield Central (26-30 September) before the Arts Magic in-school workshops commence in the lead up the free showcase event on October 14 in Robelle Domain.
The free SWELL /Monte Lupo Workshops are being held daily from 10am-2.30pm at Orion Shopping Centre at Springfield.
Thanks to our Arts Magic 2022 Sponsors – BMD Group, Cardno now Stantec, Orion Springfield Central, Dreamweavers, Gallagher, Brennan IT and Regional Development Australia (Ipswich & West Moreton Inc).