Media Release

Monday, 19 October 2009

With an array of visual arts, performances, concerts, open studios, living books, children's activities and much more, the 2009 Go North Arts Festival will bring to life the sights, sounds and flavours of the heart of the Murray, when it gets underway this Friday, 23 October.

Featuring the 2009 Fairfax Festival Gala, Swan Hill's Got Talent, the Australian Poetry Slam heat, Arts Trail and Market, community celebrations and much more – the festival, which kicks off with Market Day in the Swan Hill shopping precinct, promises something for everyone.

Don't miss the community celebrations at Swan Hill's Riverside Park this Saturday from 5pm, where the festival will not only be officially opened, but will see the presentation of the 2009 Cultural Achievement Awards, as well as an evening of music, dance, and performance with Australian and international cuisine also available.

Art lovers are also urged to get a copy of the 2009 Regional Art Trail map on the Sunday, which will take in artists' studios and galleries from across the region including Swan Hill, Piangil, Wood Wood, Speewa, Woorinen, Lake Boga, and Moulamein.

Other events for the festival include:

• A workshop for children by author Lee Fox on Saturday, 24 October at the Library.

• Living Books at the Library on the 26 October featuring Swan Hill's Archana Patney.

• The Nationwide Poetry Slam heat (one of six across Victoria) at the Swan Hill Town Hall on Wednesday, 28 October.

• The 2009 Fairfax Festival Gala at the Swan Hill Town Hall on Thursday, 29 October.

• An illustration workshop for children by illustrator Craig Smith on Saturday, 31 October.

• A Gala Ball at the Lake Boga Community Centre on the 31 October.

• Swan Hill's Got Talent! – Finals, Friday 30 October (auditions taking place on Saturday, 25 October).

• An Artists' Market on the 1 November in the Art Gallery precinct with a range of local artwork and produce available for sale.

The Go North Arts Festival is supported by Swan Hill Rural City Council and Regional Arts Victoria.

For more information regarding the Go North Arts Festival, please visit www.gonorthartsfestival.info or contact the Swan Hill Region Information Centre on 5032 3033 or 1800 625 373.