An extravaganza of art, music, film and culture is set to delight local and visiting audiences as the 2019 Castlemaine State Festival opens today.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley was in Castlemaine today to help kick off the biennial festival.
The Castlemaine State Festival is one of Australia’s longest running arts celebrations, a boon for cultural tourism and a huge showcase of local, national and international talent.
The dynamic 2019 program includes interactive artwork, dance parties, music performances, family shows, film screenings, writing workshops, theatre, a literary walking tour, and much more.
There’s also a panel discussion on the future of living regionally in a changing world, and the Open Studios event showcasing the region’s rich community of artists.
More than a third of the events feature local talent, including First Nations dance, theatre, visual arts and music, joined by an impressive line-up of artists from across the country and around the world.
International guests range from South Korean violinist Ye-Eun Choi – who made her debut with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra at age 10 – to acclaimed Indonesian performance artist Abdi Karya, who will present his tactile theatre work, Story of a Wanderer.
Other highlights include Kid Rock, which will turn the Castlemaine Goods Shed into a mini-music festival site for the whole family.
The festival also stars Castlemaine itself, bringing to life historic venues like the Theatre Royal Castlemaine, Old Castlemaine Gaol, and the Castlemaine Art Museum.
The Goods Shed is being turned into a new creative industries hub, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
The Government is a longstanding and proud supporter of the festival, which runs from 22-31 March. For full program details, including free events, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Castlemaine State Festival was one of our first arts festivals – and it remains one of our best. It’s a great example of how arts and culture can drive tourism, contribute to the local economy and bring together the community.”
“I’m delighted to join the many visitors from across the state and beyond at this year’s festival.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“The festival is Castlemaine’s signature event and a drawcard for a town that prides itself on its arts and culture, and strong inclusive and creative community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020