The Arts play an important role in helping people recover from natural disasters and traumatic events. As a key cultural institution, the Orbost Exhibition Centre is working with others to make sure that Orbost and district have a cultural feast to revitalise our town and neighbouring communities as the immediate threat of fire withdraws.
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A number of events are planned, culminating in a massive Easter festival of markets, performances and exhibitions.
Deb Foskey, Chair of the Orbost Exhibition Committee, said that not just one but three events will make it a rich time with something for everyone.
"First, world renowned dancer and choreographer - and part-time Marlo resident - Rosalind Crisp of Omeo Dance has secured a rare Regional Arts Victoria fellowship, the only one awarded this year, to develop work, run studios and perform for local audiences.
She will be working out of the Orbost Exhibition Centre from February until April. Ms Crisp has a large following so we should expect people to travel to see her work.
"Second, following last year's successful Pumpkin Festival, a small committee is organizing the Orbost Autumn Festival Community Art Exhibition to run from Saturday, March 28 to Sunday, April 19.
"As with so many successful events in our town, it is being organised by volunteers with some support from East Gippsland Shire's Quick Response Art and Heritage Grant to cover the cost of advertising and the hire of the Orbost Exhibition Centre.
Organiser Audrey Van Den Berg said, "There is a special event on Easter Sunday, April 12 with market stalls, entertainment, Easter Eggs, local produce and more, next to the Exhibition Centre in the grounds of the Slab Hut Information Centre starting at 10am till 4pm.
"Rosalind Crisp will have public performances in the evenings both days of the Easter weekend.
"To make sure it is a successful community arts event, we are seeking contributions of art from everyone from pre-school to the elderly citizens, from Nowa Nowa to Mallacoota and beyond. Any medium of art can be entered free of charge: knitted articles, needlework, quilting, paint, photography, woodwork etc.
"There will be a scarecrow trail to follow from Nowa Nowa to the border to give visitors along this stretch of highway more of an interest in the surroundings and will be in conjunction with the 'Endeavour' events at Cann River and Mallacoota.
"We invite all residents along the Princes Highway to make Scarecrows when they have recovered from the bushfire onslaught.
"Last but not least, the Australian National Wood Design Exhibition normally held over the January period and postponed due to the closing down of the town over the fire period, will run at the same time as the Art Exhibition," Dr Foskey said.
"Already most of the exhibits are in place but we would welcome any new people who wish to help with any aspect of our exhibition, including just being there to get the doors open.
"We will be keeping the community posted with dates and times of events as we get closer but just now we want you to know that Gippsland is open for business. Our Arts events ensure that there is something for everyone," Dr Foskey said.
