As you may be aware, the Regional Centre for Culture in 2018 is an initiative of the Victorian Government in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation, Central Goldfields Shire, City of Greater Bendigo, Hepburn Shire and Mount Alexander Shire.
Our job as Producers of the Regional Centre for Culture (RCC) program for 2018 is to facilitate and support existing events as well as creating some one-off events for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike in each of the Shires over the course of 2018. Our research around Mount Alexander Shire has identified Newstead as the perfect location to host a celebratory event and to date we have conducted several meetings to begin working out details of what this shape this event may take.
We have planned two blocks of time in early December as we would like to hear and discuss your ideas about how individuals and groups of artists and community groups might like to engage with this one-off event. (And don’t worry, this isn’t a callout for volunteers!)
• 1:30 – 3:00 pm on Friday, December 8 at Newstead Railway Arts Hub
• 10:30 – 11:30 am on Saturday, December 9 at Dig Cafe
Concept:
Water is an important focus for communities in Mount Alexander Shire, providing welcome respite from the dry inland climate.
“Waterhole” will take place over an afternoon and evening on March 3, 2018. Appealing to all ages, it will feature the breadth of performers and art forms for which Mount Alexander (and particularly Newstead) is renowned.
The Newstead Swimming Pool is identified as holding a special place in the hearts of residents as a location for to recreation, learning, exercise and rehabilitation, and a place for social gathering and connection.
Elements of the event might include activities such as lilo races, karaoke movie
performance, dancing, exhibition of visual arts, craft, and other fun activities suitable for toddlers, young families, teenagers and the rest! However we are very keen to hear ideas from artists who live in Newstead about how they may like to be involved. Please do make a time or drop in while we’re working at the Hub or else any other time. We can all be contacted on info@rcc2018.com or leave a message at 03 5416 1038.
With best wishes and hope to meet you at one of the meetings on December 8th or 9th.
Jo Porter & Elizabeth Walsh, RCC 2018 Producers
Newstead Arts Hub 