By BRIDGET COOK
WARM up the senses throughout the colder months at the array of offerings as part of this year’s Casey Winter Arts Festival.
The three-month celebration of the arts in Casey kicks off with a bang this weekend with the Festival Open Day on Saturday.
Due to popular demand, the festival, formally known as the Winter Arts Program, has been extended from one month to three this year.
The festival provides Casey’s residents with opportunities to participate in a diverse selection of free or low cost arts activities and events throughout the winter season.
The open day will launch the festival this Saturday and give people a taste of what they can expect throughout the coming months.
City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett said the open day was a great introduction to the festival with low-cost workshops in jewellery making, cupcake decorating, visual arts, drama and dance happening throughout the day.
“I encourage all residents to come down and participate in the workshops and get a taste for what the festival has to offer,” he said.
“The City of Casey is home to so many talented artists and taking part in the festival is a great way for residents to support the local arts community who have worked extensively to put together the various workshops, shows and exhibitions.”
Some highlights to look forward to this year include art workshops delivered by Art Access Victoria in a portable purpose-built art space called the Nebula, Berwick Youth Choir’s mid-year concert, acoustic music nights and the Star Search for a Cause competition.
There will also be dance workshops and performances, school holiday programs for primary school aged children, visual art exhibitions and drawing and painting workshops.
The Winter Arts Festival Open Day is on Saturday 14 June from 10.30am to 4.30pm at Haileybury Berwick Campus, 138 High Street, Berwick.
To get a copy of the Winter Arts Festival program or make a booking for any of the events, including workshops at the open day this weekend, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/winterartsfestival or contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200.
