Narrabri Shire’s inaugural CREATE festival launched

Narrabri Shire’s inaugural CREATE festival was unveiled with fanfare at The Crossing Theatre on Friday evening.

The two-week long event, supported by the NSW government’s Create NSW program, will showcase theatre, film, music, art, workshops and celebrations.

Sponsors and guests at the official opening enjoyed canapes while viewing the diverse range of artwork on display in the main exhibition at The Crossing Theatre.

Patti Lettice delivered a welcome to country before members of the Clontarf Academy showcased an indigenous dance.

The works of almost 20 artists is on show, with pieces including paintings, sculpture, jewellery, photography, mosaic, drawings, glass and iron work.

Opening the festival, mayor Ron Campbell said the event was about community engagement, expression, celebrating innovation and all things creative.

“Organisers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes in bringing this festival to life, showcasing talent and creativity to all members of the community for over 10 months,” Cr Campbell said.

“I would like to congratulate all of the organisers of this event and their tremendous efforts in putting together a comprehensive list of inspiring activities for the community and wider region to enjoy.

“The countless hours behind the scenes, the level of organisation and many volunteers enabling their time and expertise to such a festival is enormous, too many to count.”

Cr Campbell said he looks forward to seeing the growth of CREATE in the coming five years and seeing the additional layers that will be built upon year after year.

“I also look forward to seeing the organiser’s vision of CREATE expand and be present in our towns and villages across the shire,” he said.

“CREATE festival is a fantastic achievement for Narrabri Shire. To be able to showcase and host a creative festival of this calibre in regional NSW is a huge accomplishment.

“This is only just the beginning of what I can see being a major regional event that as a community we can call our own.”

Addressing the crowd gathered for the official opening, council’s manager of cultural facilities, Scott Pollock, paid tribute to the support of council and its elected members.

Mr Pollock also thanked the artists, sponsors and the community for backing the festival.

The festival will run from March 12 to 28.

This week, a lighting display titled Narra-BRIGHT will be launched in Maitland Street on Friday night as part of the event.

Late night shopping will be available at participating businesses and there will be live entertainment as part of the night’s festivities.

Most of the lighting installations as part of the CBD activation event will be featured nightly from March 19 until March 27.

The CBD activation project is part of the NSW government’s Summer Fund initiative.