The 15th edition of the Mandurah Stretch Arts Festival has been a success so far in putting art in the spotlight.
Several artistic activities sprouted around Mandurah town centre, bringing more than 24,000 visitors last weekend
This year’s festival kicked off on Friday with the musical light show Alchemy: Lights on the Bay, directed by Roly Skender.
Festival Square was buzzing with numerous workshops, art markets, live music, buskers and dancing presented by Act-Belong-Commit throughout the whole weekend.
Numerous exhibitions were also on display around town, like the Made by Us outdoor design gallery, Lola Greeno’s Cultural Jewels exhibition, the Mandurah Portrait and Landscape Prize, a massive installation of 2000 little gray pots part of The Pinch Pot Project and installations and sculptural works by contemporary artists from WA a the Ocean Marina.
One of the main attractions over the weekend was The Big Draw, which provided locals and visitors with free activities such as painting and creating a magic carpet, building 3D forests or cupcake decorating.
A major highlight was the Common Threads Wearable Art Showcase on Saturday night, in which national and international artist displayed their garments in front of more than 800 people.
The Stretch Art Trail will be on until May 22, taking visitors on a guided tour around local businesses and organisations displaying local artist’s works.
Mayor Marina Vergone said the Stretch Arts Festival was an outstanding display of new and exciting arts experiences which the Mandurah community can be proud of.
“This year’s program featured something for everyone to immerse themselves in, from art workshops and awe-inspiring performances to art markets and exhibitions,” she said.
This year’s festival will stretch to next week, featuring The Comedy Emporium at Make Place (May 12, 13 and 14), the Mandurah Short Film Showcase at MPAC on May 13, the Manduray City Choral Society 25th anniversary workshop at MPAC on May 15, Aesthesis performance by Tide at Make Place on May 21 and Sugarland at MPAC on May 24 and 25.
For more information visit mandurah.wa.go.au