Expressions of interest are now being sought from artists, musicians, performers, event producers and creative thinkers for this year’s Festival Cairns – scheduled to run for two weeks between Friday 20 August and Sunday 5 September. Initial proposals for 2011 and 2012 events are also encouraged.
After taking the helm in 2009, this year sees Cairns Regional Council continue to manage and develop a contemporary era for Tropical North Queensland’s annual and most significant celebration.
In so doing, a dynamic team has been appointed to ensure all aspects of the creative process draws on experience in a strategic, professional and exciting way. The new team comprises, Malcolm Blaylock, artistic director; Eric Holowacz, festival producer; Shaun Sims, marketing and sponsorship Manager; and Caress Creed, festival administrator.
Sims said this year’s event will continue the community engagement ethic established with last year’s theme, ‘Telling our Unique Stories’.
“We see colour and expression as a focus for 2010; celebrating the colours of Cairns and its vibrancy and many hues. Our small team has issued an invitation to join the explosion of light sound and colour that is Festival Cairns.
“Last year’s festival was an overwhelming success, and included an extensive program of events ranging from a busking festival and free outdoor music in enchanting tropical settings, to celebrity chef demonstrations and construction of cardboard cities. The 14 day celebration played to an estimated audience of 100,000; continuing the sense of cultural rebirth in the Cairns community,” he said.
In coming months Festival Cairns will grow its creative team – inviting cultural producers, artists and musicians to connect with regional communities – to extend its reach interstate and beyond.
According to Cairns Regional Council’s manager of cultural services and facilities, Leslie Sparkes, “We are making and shaping a whole new festival experience and this year’s event is only just the beginning. We’ll consider all proposals, all disciplines, all stages of development.
“Artistic process, cultural expression, creative partnerships are destined to become a hallmark of Festival Cairns. It makes good sense. Cairns is the kind of place where ideas are abundant, artists are encouraged and nurtured and audiences from both at home and nearby Asia-Pacific hub regularly come together.”
Prospective producers and participants are invited to submit their simple expression of interest by Friday 9 April 2010. Guidelines can be accessed online via www.festivalcairns.com.au
