AFRICAN EXTRAVAGANZA AT CRESFEST

Member for Ballarat Catherine King today announced funding for beloved local festival CresFest through the latest round of the Albanese Labor Government’s Festivals Australia program.

Cresfest will receive $17,600 for The Rhythms of Africa – An Extravaganza which will form an integral part of the festival’s Saturday afternoon program.

Imagined and developed by iconic local musician Stella Savy and master drummer Kofi Kunkpe, the presentation will take over the buildings and main rotunda in Creswick with drummers, dancers and audience members joining in. 

The performance on the Saturday though is only a part of this innovative program.

In preparation for the festival, Ms Savy will lead children from Creswick’s primary schools in drumming classes throughout this term. On 5 April over 100 local children will play alongside the Creswick Drum Circle and other performers in this cultural and musical spectacular.

The Festivals Australia program delivers two funding rounds each year and 19 projects shared in $700,000 of funding this round. 

The program seeks to provide regional and remote communities access to diverse, engaging and innovative experiences that encourage participation in the arts. It supports partnerships and encourages collaboration across the arts sector to benefit local communities.

It also delivers a key focus of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy, by supporting festivals that connect communities and promote local talent.

A full list of recipients can be found at Festivals Australia grant recipients—Round 19 | Office for the Arts. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“CresFest brings the community together, and this year that will also include local primary school students. 

“CresFest’s amazing blend of local, national and international acts has led it to achieve a stellar reputation in its short history and this year’s program shouldn’t be missed.

“There’s something magical about the way the music and performances completely take over the streets of Creswick during the festival creating a truly immersive experience for audiences and locals.”

Quotes attributable to Co-Director of CresFest Stella Savy:

“This performance has been many years coming and I’m so excited that this funding will make it a reality, so the children of Creswick can have a tailored musical experience.

“I can’t wait to start working with the kids on their singing and drumming. Creswick will be alive with the sound of Africa on 5 April!”