Another blow to economy: Region's popular art festival cancelled

With the state still in lockdown, organisers' inevitable decision was to cancel this year's River of Art Festival.

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However, the artists have not been forgotten as the festival, scheduled for next month, goes virtual.

Festival co-chairs Di Jay and Vicki Lascelles said face-to-face events could not go ahead as the safety and comfort of artists, the community and visitors was paramount.

Faced with ongoing COVID restrictions, the River of Art festival can't proceed with live events. Image: River of Art Facebook.

"We were leaving it right up to last minute to make the call - hoping to have good news about lockdown being lifted, however, all of the information from the premier has indicated we are not out of the woods and September will be challenging for us," Ms Jay said.

"We had COVID plans in place, but really that wasn't going to be enough this time round unfortunately."

Organisers switched into gear to continue the event online.

This year's record-number of 120 events have been listed in a comprehensive arts directory on the River of Art website.

The online directory was created after last year's festival was also impacted by COVID-19.

This year's directory will launch on September 17 - the date the festival would have commenced. It will feature works of the regions' artists who would have opened their studios during the festival.

"You can have a look at some digital examples to their work, then we will provide links to their sites or pages where you can buy direct or commission those artists to produce their bespoke work," Ms Jay said.

The virtual festival will showcase many of the programmed events including: painting, textiles, woodwork, sculpture, performance, music, film and poetry.

"We're also looking to reschedule some of the cancelled live events early in the new year," Ms Lascelles added.

Raewyn Lawrence pictured in 2014 when she won an award for her work River Tree.

Winner of the 2020 Eurobodalla Art Prize, Raewyn Lawrence, was given the honour to open this year's festival.

An exhibition of her work was planned to be held at the BAS (Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre) in Moruya.

"I have been working hard over the past nine months for this show, with some works being in the pipeline for years," she said.

With news of the festivals cancellation, Ms Lawrence was disheartened.

"I was very saddened but not surprised to hear of the cancellation ... I mean, what a year!" she said.

"At this stage my exhibition is still going ahead although postponed to October 2-31, but we will have to wait and see what restrictions will be imposed in this ever changing world."

I have been working hard over the past nine months for this show with some works being in the pipeline for years.
- Raewyn Lawrence - Artist

The Moruya painter is a popular face among the arts community. Her work has featured far and wide, and has made a regular appearance each year in River of Art.

She said the festival was a huge benefit to artists.

"Many of our creative community rely on this time as a chance to support their often casual low-paying incomes," she said.

She praised the efforts of volunteers who organise the event, giving the public something to look forward to and exposure to cultural experiences.

SNEAK PEEK: This part of Raewyn Lawrence's painting is called 'Goldfields Circus'.

"Artists bring stories to life, they present the world from a creative and individual perspective. Not everything can be downloaded to experience at home," Ms Lawrence said.

"I really look forward to next year's festival as I think many of us will have an even more enthusiastic appreciation by then."

Shifting the festival online was one way to keep the community engaged and promote artists and performers.

However, Ms Jay said the region would be missing out on $4-5 million the event annually contributes to the local economy.

"Forty percent of visits were from people outside the region (ACT and NSW) and 60 percent of those to support the festival were local," Ms Jay said.

"It really saddens us that we aren't providing that economic support or tourism the event helps with."

The community-led event is run by volunteers who were dedicated to supporting the creative arts and building a platform for visitation to the region.

We are planning three murals around the end of March or Easter.
- Festival co-chair Di Jay

Over the festival's 16-year history, Ms Jay said interest had grown. It relies on sponsorship and community support.

"Moving into 2022 that support will be even more important," she said.

Next year, Ms Jay said the community can look forward to at least three murals commissioned by the festival.

"We are planning to do three murals around the end of March or Easter," she said.

"Next year might be a very big year for mural painting in River of Art. They're so uplifting.

"We are still working on locations and will do a slow reveal."

Pictured at last year's event are; exhibition artists, volunteer, sponsor and organisers Dianne Jay, Amanda Williams, Annie Franklin, Robin Scott-Charlton, Indie Carmichael Kate Nockels, (front) Raewyn Lawrence and Mandy Hillson.

Keep an eye on the River of Art Facebook page or Instagram for updates or subscribe to receive e-news.

The dates for next year's festival have already been fixed to run from September, 16-25.

Organisers reassured River of Art will continue presenting and promoting local and visiting artists across all art forms and the 2022 festival will be even bigger and better with fresh new possibilities in a post-Covid world.

The festival thanked the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the Eurobodalla Shire Council for funding as well as 2021 sponsors - Southern Phone, Moruya Golf Club, Horizon Bank, Excell Printing and Lincoln Downs Resort.