The Camden Civic Centre was officially reopened after a $9.9 million upgrade, enhancing its facilities as a modern, multi-purpose venue. The project included improved workspaces, public art installations, and a new grand piano. The council and government funding ensured a functional space for community events, strengthening local cultural support.
Category: The Arts
Creative Kids: Art Play Workshops at Narellan Town Centre
Over two weeks, the Narellan Town Centre hosted 'Art Play' workshops for kids aged 5 to 12, featuring various creative activities led by artists from the Alan Baker Art Gallery. The free sessions attracted over 200 children daily, providing an engaging and stress-free school holiday opportunity for families while fostering creativity and artistic skills.
The Role of Scarlet Fever in Literature and Film
Scarlet fever, the disease, historically depicted in literature and film, caused widespread fear and hardship, significantly impacting dairy farming communities. Numerous works illustrate its societal ramifications and personal tragedies. Notable figures who contracted scarlet fever included Thomas Edison and members of the Darwin family. Scarlet fever emerged in Camden in the late 1890s, prompting the establishment of a cottage hospital due to its severe impact on dairy farmers.
Sarah Ashcroft: Art as a Journey of Healing
The Camden area boasts a vibrant art culture, featuring public art and local artists like Sarah Ashcroft. After retiring from the NSW Police Force due to PTSD, Sarah found solace in drawing, particularly architectural pieces. She aims to preserve local history through her art while promoting awareness about mental health and creativity.
LiddellWORKS, art in action
The closure of Liddell Power Station in 2023 sparked artistic creations in the Hunter Valley. Sixteen artists generated artworks exploring the station's legacy. The power station, operational since the early 1970s, contributed significantly to the region's industrial landscape. The artworks aim to help local communities cope with the loss of jobs and the power station's impact on Australia's energy supply.
Camden Art Prize, a new exhibition at the Alan Baker Art Gallery celebrates a local institution
The Camden Art Prize was initiated in 1975 as an acquisitive art prize aiming to create a collection. This collection now includes over 200 artworks and has been on display at the Alan Baker Art Gallery. The prize has had many notable judges and dignitaries present at its exhibitions. Some of the winning works are on display in a new exhibition at the gallery.
‘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
