The second annual Arts on the Plains Festival has successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impression on the community and participants.
Running from August 11 to September 8, the festival featured over 20 exhibitions and activities, attracting hundreds of visitors and locals who celebrated the diverse artistic talents of the greater Gawler region.
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors (Beyond Bank, Gawler Community Gallery, Town of Gawler, and Business Gawler as a naming rights sponsor), but also the artists and businesses who opened their doors to support and showcase art.
“This event first came about to bring artists together, encouraging their creativity and giving them a platform to display the region’s artistic talents to both locals and visitors out in the public,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The talent we have here was certainly on show, and that’s because of the many in our community who come together – businesses, sponsors, volunteers and artists – and put the effort in to make events like these possible.
“A special thank you also to my staff for their work organising and liaising with all involved to ensure the success of the festival.
“While we’ve received strong praise for the array of arts, fostering creativity and cultural engagement the festival brings, there are still areas we can improve to have the community and visitors further embrace the event.”
Minister for Arts, Andrea Michaels MP, officially opened the event at the Gawler Civic Centre on August 11, with Gawler Makers Market donating the space to allow for a Q&A with artists and a preview of some of the arts.
The organisers and committee for Arts on the Plains Festival will meet in the next month to review this year’s event and discuss potential improvements for the future.