Warm up with Council’s Winter Arts Festival

Ashleigh Nicolas in a traditional Mauritius dance costume last year.

City of Casey’s Winter Arts Festival (WAF) is returning for its 17th year and Council hosting a bumper series of events and activities.

This year’s impressive program will launch on Saturday 1 June with the installation of ‘Intrude’ at Bunjil Place – a number of larger than life, illuminated bunny rabbits, whose gentle appearance take on a sinister undertone due to their sheer size.

Head down to Bunjil Place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday evening to check out the rabbits, take part in interactive workshops including ‘blinging your beanie’, and enjoy free soup and hot chocolate if you bring along your own reusable cup.

This event will kick off an exciting three months ahead, with the WAF to run throughout June, July and August.

As part of the festival, Council will celebrate National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week through a number of sessions over one week in July.

In addition to this, art exhibitions, musical and dance performances, an Open Studios weekend, workshops and school holiday fun are just a few of the other events that make up the WAF program.

Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said council was proud to deliver such an exciting line-up of events and activities.

“The annual festival is the biggest celebration of arts in Casey and gives both budding and experienced artists a chance to demonstrate their talents,” she said.

“The WAF includes three jam-packed months of events and entertainment and there’s something in there to suit everyone.

“I applaud our local artists and entertainers who participate in the festival, and strongly encourage you all to check out the program and find something that suits you, whether it’s an art and craft workshop, a choir performance or a local artist’s exhibition.”

A highlight of the festival is the Open Studios weekend, which will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August.

The Open Studios weekend will see artists throughout Casey and Cardinia open their doors to give people a unique peak behind the easel.

A bus tour will run on Saturday 10 August from 11.30am until 4pm and depart from Bunjil Place.

To find out more or book into an upcoming session check out Winter Arts Festival page and program.