Producing large scale events was never for the faint hearted but after last years devastating rains and heavy financial losses, we were faced with the choice of giving up or upping the ante… Although the Carnival is undoubtedly caught in a cliff-hanger, the groundswell of enthusiasm for the festival and the concern, fear even that it may cease to exist, ultimately tipped the balance so here we are… again. Not only that, we have taken in the energy and support generously given by so many and with a humorous twist, transformed it into a stunning visual arts project for this year’s site. Funded by Festivals Australia, ‘Beyond the Deluge’ was conceived to turn last year’s watery drama into a wonderful architectural folly for this year’s site! Under the caring guidance and watchful eyes of some of our most talented artists from the Kalang and Thora valleys, this youth based project will see the festival adorned by large scale site décor and gloriously dramatic aerial installations which will depict a colourful underwater world (but in the sky!) and are testimony to the enduring nature, good hearts and creativity of our community and the Carnival.
Other developments have also taken place such as the village area of the festival which has been refocussed as the ‘InterNational Indigenous People’s Village (IIVP)’. As a living, breathing cultural event, it seems right to us that the Carnival keeps up with and reflects the ever-changing aspirations, needs and inner worlds of the community at large – the things we hold sacred. Importantly, it is often the case that dipping into the well of wisdom of older cultures is where we find the necessary pathways for regaining equilibrium and insight into a healthy social order and as a consequence, a healthy planet which can continue to support us and future generations. This is the inspiration behind this village area where indigenous people from different nations as well as our own, will be sharing their knowledge, know how and traditions.
We again take great pleasure in presenting you with some of the best musicians and performers that Australia and the world has to offer and wish you a weekend full of wonder and surprise. We thank all artists past, present and future for their brilliant work and their courageous hearts; our wonderful crew and volunteers; our host families; our neighbours; our local and regional support organisations; the local and regional business who assist and contribute and to all of you who come along and ensure there is a festival, thank you and a very happy Global 2011!
Bryony
The Global team is:
Bryony Taylor Festival Director
Peter Papandrea Production Manager
Ben Perrin Site Manager
Jeremy Johnson Account Manager
Seth Jordan, Tash Kass Artist Liaison
Kate Atkinson Crew Coordinator
Laurie Sweeney Market Coordinator
Kristen Collier Webmaster, Tickets and Gate Manager
