¶ THE Collie Creates committee is bucking the trend with this week’s launch of an updated and reimagined arts festival.
At a time when the future of long-running community events is in doubt, the committee aims to establish the festival as an annual fixture in the local calendar.
As recently reported by the Bulletin, the Collie Agricultural Society is desperately seeking volunteers to ensure the continued survival of the Collie Show as long-serving members prepare to step back from their roles.
Staging of the Collie Christmas pageant is in doubt this year after Collie Lions Club came to the difficult decision that running the event is beyond the capacity of its ageing membership.
The message from Collie Creates committee members is simple - community support is required to ensure the festival is here to stay.
“The arts festival has always been such a big part of community life,” Collie Creates secretary Tamsin Emmett said.
“This year we really wanted to take it back to basics, making it manageable for the very small committee that we have, but still keep that community art feel.”
Collie Creates draws on a rich history of local arts celebration, having begun as the Griffin Arts Festival and growing into Festiv Arty.
Festiv Arty was cancelled in 2024, however the Collie Creates committee has been hard at work throughout the year to launch the latest iteration of the festival, which will span a visual arts competition, market day, workshops and art auction.
Whereas in the past the festival had a paid coordinator, this year it has been completely volunteer driven.
“I think that shows that there is a passion for this festival and for the arts,” Mrs Emmett said.
“It has been incredibly hard work, but we’re really hoping that we see the rewards come through in participation and enjoyment.”
Committee president Karen Turner encouraged the Collie community to get behind the event.
“We need the support of the community otherwise there won’t be events in our area,” Ms Turner said.
“Everyone will then have to leave the shire to go to interesting things.
“It’s a shame because we have beautiful parks and areas for these events. Let's use them.”
Collie artists are also encouraged to provide feedback and become involved.
“We really want to give the artists of this town what they want, but they need to speak up and come and tell us,” Mrs Emmett said.
“We want to build a sustainable festival. Let us know what you think and come and join us if you can.”
The festival’s “Colliecentric” visual arts competition opens at the Collie Art Gallery today and will run through to October 19.
An Art Market Day, featuring stalls, craft activities, food trucks and live entertainment, will be held on Saturday, September 13, in Finlay Gardens, 10am to 3pm, next to the gallery.
An art auction will be held the following Saturday, September 20, at the gallery, with bookings required for free tickets.
The festival will also feature a series of workshops, held by local and visiting artists, throughout September.
Further information can be found at www.colliecreates.com.