The 2018 Live and Local Camden music festival showcased over 50 musicians across 15 eclectic venues. The festival's growth included jazz ensembles, young talents, and accomplished musicians, creating a diverse and immersive experience for attendees. This cultural event contributed to the development of an arts precinct and celebrated the significance of live music in community storytelling and place-making.
Category: Aesthetics
Airds Shopping Mall demolition, the unmet expectations of mid-century modernism
The Airds shopping mall's future encapsulates the decline of mid-century modernism in the midst of urban neglect. Once a symbol of optimism, the area's decay reflects broader global trends in retail. From failed Radburn principles to public housing challenges, the mall's history mirrors the clash of modernism and neoliberalism in Campbelltown. Despite the despair former residents report that they recall happy memories and stories of hope growing up in the area.
Despina’s story, fond memories of living in Campbelltown
A former resident of Campbelltown, Despina Maddalena, has recalled her time living in Campbelltown in the early 2000s. She has fond memories and is quick to defend the city from stereotypes and misinformation.
An embroidered silk postcard for Millie at Christmas 1916
A postcard from Frederick for sister Millie During the First World War, local soldier Frederick Kelloway sent his sister, Millie, an embroidered silk postcard to celebrate Christmas and New Year at home in 1916. The front of the embroidered silk postcard that Frederick Kelloway sent his sister Millie in 1916. (KCordina 2023) Millie’s great-granddaughter Kellee… Continue reading An embroidered silk postcard for Millie at Christmas 1916
Public art, Camden Civic Centre
Camden Art Prize winners In the garden at the front of the Camden Civic Centre, there are two sculptures many people have forgotten about. The artists won prizes at the annual Camden Art Prize held at the Camden Civic Centre. The Camden Art Prize is an important local festival which has been running since 1974.… Continue reading Public art, Camden Civic Centre
‘Alan’s Art Deco’ exhibition at Macaria
Review: 'Alan’s Art Deco' Exhibition, Alan Baker Art Gallery, Macaria, 37 John Street, Camden. October 2023-April 2024. Interwar Art Deco style A new art exhibition at Camden’s Alan Baker Art Gallery highlights the modernity and cosmopolitanism of the interwar period in an exhibition of artist Alan D Baker called ‘Alan’s Art Deco’. The interwar period… Continue reading ‘Alan’s Art Deco’ exhibition at Macaria
Billie Holiday on stage at the Belvoir Street Theatre
Review: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill by Lanie Robertson. Musical Arrangements by Danny Holgate. Belvoir St Theatre, 14 September – 15 October 2023. Theatre performance with heart I recently attended a theatre performance with a strong humanitarian message at the Belvoir Street Theatre in Surry Hills. The show was a combination of cabaret… Continue reading Billie Holiday on stage at the Belvoir Street Theatre
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, an engineering marvel
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an icon on the Sydney urban landscape. The bridge is an engineering marvel of modernism and the early 20th hope of a new nation.
‘Fibro Majestic’: A Celebration of Mid-Century Housing at Campbelltown Arts Centre by Catherine O’Donnell
The "Fibro Majestic" exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre celebrates the historical significance of fibro housing in Australia, highlighting its role in post-war society. Artist Catherine O'Donnell's work reflects on the nostalgia, memories, and social contexts surrounding these humble structures, transforming perceptions of an architecture once deemed unattractive.
‘The Tree of Life’, public art at Camden Council Administration Offices
The art installation The Tree of Life by sculptors Gillies & Marc celebrates the endangered Camden White Gum. The sculpture is located adjacent to the entry of the Camden Council administration building at Oran Park. The work was commissioned by the council in 2016 for the opening of the new office building.
