28 February 2006

The Greater Shepparton City Council is welcoming the beginning of the 2006 SheppARTon Festival, ‘Harmony’, and its program of events over the coming weeks.

Mayor Jenny Houlihan says the Council is encouraging all local residents to support the events that will visit the region for this year’s festival.

“We wish the organisers of the SheppARTon Festival well for the coming weeks for what has become the leading arts and entertainment festival on our calendar,” says Cr Houlihan.

“The festival has been such a great success in the past and this year’s theme of ‘Harmony’ celebrates the rich and diverse relationships we share in our community,” says Cr Houlihan.

The 2006 SheppARTon Festival will be officially launched at a free event at Eastbank at 7.30pm on Thursday 2 March. The launch will feature a performance by King Marong and Safara (Gambian musicians and dancers) as well as local indigenous performers.

There will also be the opportunity to view four visual art exhibitions – the Jed Award, Creative Textiles, the 2006 Sidney Myer Fund International Ceramics Award and VCE 2005.

The Jed Award is a two-dimensional art exhibition that focuses on the festival theme of ‘Harmony’. Three prizes will be awarded and everyone is encouraged to come along to purchase a painting or to vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award.

For further information about the SheppARTon Festival and the program of events contact Claire Greatorex on 5832 9501 or visit the festival website at www.sheppartonfestival.net.au. Program guides can be collected from Riverlinks and other festival venues around Shepparton.

The SheppARTon Festival, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, will run from 2 to 13 March.

For all bookings contact Riverlinks on 5832 9511.