Sydney will burst into life this April when the smart ARTS Festival brings together the city’s most talented young artists in a showcase of cutting-edge visual art, live performance and music. This year’s event marks the sixth annual smart ARTS Festival, which is designed to showcase the creative talents of Sydneysiders aged 16 – 25.
Two weeks of film screenings, art exhibitions, live music, fashion shows, free workshops and installation projects will be on offer from the city’s Pine Street Creative Arts Centre to give Sydneysiders a rare glimpse into the future of Sydney’s creative industries.
“Sydney is a global city which is bursting with cultural energy and creativity,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.
“Festivals like smart ARTS are the perfect way of showcasing the many different art forms that are alive and well in our city. This is the only youth arts festival of its kind in Sydney, and it really gives local up-and-coming artists, performers and designers a chance to shine.
“As part of our Sustainable Sydney 2030 program, we are committed to the development of our City as a cultural and creative hub. We are delighted to support the smart ARTS Festival, and it’s so exciting to have so many talented young people taking part.”
Let's get the party started with an opening art exhibition on 1 April. smart ARTS will kick off with a bang at the official Festival launch party at Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, featuring live performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra and projections from award-winning film makers Punk Monk Propaganda.
There will be a Secret Street Art Tour on 3 April where people will be able to discover a whole new world of street art on this fascinating tour through Sydney’s inner west with local artist Chris Tamm. Learn about the history of this controversial medium which is changing the way people view the city. The tour will end with a screening of street artist LC Beats’ latest film.
There is plenty for the older kids, so if you’re over 15 and want to have a go at unleashing the artist within, come and take part in a fun-filled night of games like Beijing Doodle and Mister Squiggle at Australia’s largest social drawing games night – Let’s Doodle on 4 April!
On 7 April, there will be a night of films at Roll With It: Youth Film Screening. Settle in with friends and free popcorn for a night of fabulous films as Sydney’s next generation of talented young filmmakers show off their skills at the Powerhouse Museum. Featuring drama, animation, claymation, documentary and comedy projects, prepare to be blown away by the talents of some of Australia’s next big screen stars.
There will be a range of workshops offered from 9 April and 13 April. If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new creative skill, look no further. Here’s your chance to discover the art of solar plate printmaking, stencil art, recycled bookbinding and much more, while being tutored by some of Sydney’s best artists at Pine Street Creative Arts Centre.
Creative Pros: The Great Art Debate will run on 11 April, dealing with questions such as is formal art training better than informal? What are the benefits of commercial galleries versus artist-run spaces? Judge for yourself at this one-off seminar at Frasers Studios in Chippendale, as professional artists, curators and gallery owners go head-to-head debating some of the most divisive questions in today’s art world.
The party wraps up on 15 April with a Closing Night Party. The spectacular Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville will be turned upside down with live music, a fabulous fashion show, poetry readings, projection bombing and much more. Don’t miss out on the spectacular finale of smart ARTS 2011!
All events are free but bookings are required for some events, so visit the website for more details.