The Eurobodalla’s River of Art Festival 2022 program includes the biggest laser and light show the South East NSW has ever seen – Luminous: Art After Dark on September 24, 2022.
The two-week festival celebrates all forms of arts, collating and creating more than 100 exhibitions, workshops, open studios and performances in and around Moruya, Narooma and Batemans Bay between September 16 and 25.
Luminous: Art After Dark is the spectacular finale, transforming Moruya’s Riverside Park into a wonderland of light sculpture and projection, music, markets and roving performers. Festival goers are already lining up to see sets by iconic Australian musicians Dog Trumpet, Dom Turner and the Rural Blues Project and will be dazzled by roving performances by Heidi Hillier and her troupe.
Thirty exhibitions are being curated in stunning and unique venues. Features include ‘The Nesting Season’ at the Durras Progress Hall, 6 x 3D with six local artists at the Mechanics Institute in Moruya, the Southern Highlands Printmakers at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre in Moruya, or the Cobargo Creators Gallery and see the Painted Poles of Cobargo celebrating life returning to a village devastated by the Black Summer fires.
In addition the River of Art Prize will be announced at the Festival launch on September 16 and the finalists’ works will feature at the Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay throughout the festival.
A range of open studios present a rare opportunity to meet artists and glimpse a little more of their creative process and works, usually in a stunning coastal haven or country hamlet. Discover celebrated Australian artists like ceramicist Jo Victoria, contemporary jeweller David Walker and printmaker Frances Luke along with more than 20 passionate local artists.
More than 30 workshops will foster art and creativity from millinery, jewellery, print-making, ink art, oils, candlemaking, sourdough, clay, writing, drumming. Don’t miss ‘Nestled’ a free community workshop and art installation with Regeneration Roadtrip Artists.
The festival doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Jazz great Vince Jones will perform at Bay Pavilion (September 23), Music in the Regions and The Muffat Collective bring baroque music and instruments rarely seen in the regions to churches at Moruya (September 24) and Narooma (September 25), Sydney artist Heidi Hillier brings circus cabaret to Narooma Kinema (September 17) and each weekend has a range of gigs at diverse array of venues.
Vince Jones is performing at Bay Pavilions on September 23.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.
“Money is rolling out right across Regional NSW helping local events go from strength to strength and putting our regions on the map,” Mr Toole said.
“We know hosting events in regional areas attracts visitors to towns, and those guests will spend money in local shops, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or café, and boost regional businesses and economies.
“The River of Art Festival is not only a showcase event for locals but I am excited to see it attract visitors to the region from far and wide.”
Festival Chair Leanne Joyce said that the Festival demonstrates that arts and events are thriving and offer a rich experience for all attendees.
“The Festival offers a range of free and ticketed events to enjoy world-class art in our beautiful coastal setting. The spectacular Luminous: Art After Dark offers an incredible laser and light show by our own Dunk0tron and Genius Laser, as well as leading performers, local foods and arts for just $20 general admission and $150 for the premium experience in Luminous Lounge.
“We encourage people to get map out your program and buy tickets now!” Leanne said.
