Art must be woven into the fabric of our communities so that everyone has a platform to introduce themselves according to this year's Armadale Arts Festival Artist Gavin Tuahati Grace “Gracey”.
“The different cultures, flavours and sounds must be allowed to flourish so our communities are vibrant,” Gracey said.
The Armadale Arts Festival continues to evolve, and celebrates a unique locally based artist each year, whilst delivering a variety of activities and events during the month of May.
Gracey said he was humbled to be offered the role of Festival Artist this year, joining a small group of people that he knows and respects within the community.
“I really appreciate that our City values the work being done by local artists and creators to uplift our communities,” Gracey said.
Gracey was recognised last year with a Citizen of the Year award by the City of Armadale and is the founder of Art vs Depression (AVD), an independent arts movement working to build a stronger resilient community.
“Art has impacted my life immensely, allowing me to create conversations about serious subjects, teaching me that being vulnerable is a strength. Allowing me to build relationships and work with the young and young at heart in our community. Art will always be one of the most powerful tools to inspire, empower and connect people,” Gracey said.
As this year's Festival Artist, Gracey plans to inject unique energy into the Festival.
“I want to encourage creatives to work fearlessly, and I plan to set an example to produce powerful art,” Gracey said.
The Armadale Arts Festival will once again feature its centrepiece event, the Minnawarra Art Awards exhibition, complemented by the Positive Ageing High Teas, Armadale Arts Bush Trail, the launch of two anthologies by the City's premier writing groups, as well as the popular Heron Park Harmony Festival.
The Armadale Arts Festival will run from 3 to 19 May.
For more information visit armadaleartsfestival.com.au
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