A new festival in Bendigo, named the Creativerse showcase, is set to enhance artistic opportunities for young people in the region. Scheduled for October 11 at the Ulumbarra Theatre, the inaugural event aims to involve around 500 children from central Victoria and surrounding areas in various shows and workshops. The initiative seeks to address a pressing shortage of arts programs in the region, where many small performing arts companies have called for greater support to provide children with opportunities comparable to those in urban areas.
Debra Allanson, chief executive of the Arena Theatre, emphasized the festival’s interactive approach. “We’re not just inviting kids to watch – we’re inviting them to participate and play,” she stated. This sentiment reflects broader concerns raised by Bendigo’s creative professionals during a recent parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s cultural and creative industries.
Allanson expressed worries that access to arts education is becoming increasingly difficult for children in schools. “We are developing people who are well-rounded citizens, but we are also developing people who may also seek a career in the creative industries or to become creative thinkers in whatever industry they choose to enter,” she explained.
The inquiry highlighted the need for increased government investment in the arts sector, particularly to facilitate access for smaller creative groups. Allanson noted the challenges faced in securing funding, which often consumes more time than is justified by the financial return for their organizations.
Alise Amarant, director of Props Theatre, echoed these sentiments, praising the potential impact of the Creativerse showcase. “This event is not only fantastic for Bendigo as a town and tourism, but it also provides a wealth of opportunity for children,” she remarked. The festival’s format allows families to engage in a full day of activities rather than a brief event.
Amarant believes exposure to the arts is vital for personal development. “Unless you’re exposed to the arts as a child, you don’t know the world is bigger than you are, and that for an imagination is incredible.” She described the Creativerse showcase as a “phenomenal” opportunity for young individuals to explore their artistic interests and discover their creative community.
On the day of the festival, Props Theatre will host two events, including a performance titled Jetlag Tours. This performance uses voices and characters to illustrate the joys and challenges of holiday experiences. In addition, a writing workshop will guide children in channeling their creativity into writing a play under the supervision of experienced instructors.
The Creativerse showcase will also feature a variety of interactive installations, digital art displays, shadow puppets, and 3D augmented reality experiences, ensuring a diverse range of activities for young attendees.
The festival represents a significant step toward bridging the gap in arts education for children in Bendigo and surrounding regions, providing them with the chance to “find their tribe” and connect with peers who share their interests. As the excitement builds for October 11, the local arts community is hopeful that this event will pave the way for future initiatives aimed at enriching the cultural landscape for young people in central Victoria.
