Presented in a new 32-page Art and Culture Guide, the eight trails showcase a diverse range of the top 80 fun things to do across the region in the following categories:
- Museums
- Galleries
- Public Art
- Heritage
- Craft & Artisan
- Music & Performing Arts
- Events & Festivals
- Workshops & Talks
The Shoalhaven region is home to several flagship arts and cultural institutions such as Bundanon Trust, Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Shoalhaven Regional Art Gallery renowned nation and world-wide. All that are acclaimed and known nation and world-wide. However, many locals and visitors may be unaware of the smaller, unique, and soulful arts organisations and events around them. The eight tails bring these hidden gems together in bespoke trails for visitors and locals alike, to inspire new adventures or holidays away.
One of the best things about the trails is that they hold enriching experiences for any time of the year, including off-season times throughout autumn and winter.
3.4 million visitors come to the Shoalhaven every year with many coming in school holidays, but off-season initiatives like this arts and culture guide help to attract visitors in autumn and winter when local Shoalhaven businesses need customers the most. Over the last three years, the off-season (April – October) has grown 43% with the focus on campaign and brand development for cooler season experiences. As a compliment Surfing and Foodie campaigns will also be launched this winter to stimulate the visitor economy.
Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley says, “We are so lucky to have such a vibrant arts and culture scene in the Shoalhaven, with many talented makers as well as great places to see and engage with art.
Art is an important part of any city and it reflects the diversity, creativity and history of this wonderful place we live in.”
In addition to cultural trails across several arts disciplines, itineraries have been created on shoalhaven.com with a few highlighted in the printed brochure. Visitors are encouraged to come for the arts and culture but stay for the friendly local hospitality, great food, wineries, attractions and beautiful outdoor adventures.
ABOUT THE TRAILS
Amongst the diverse, culturally rich eight trails, the Museum trail takes visitors on a journey to another world or another time. It ranges from exploring historical exhibitions of Aboriginal culture to maritime collections and antique machines, visiting a life from generations back.
The Galleries trail is for visitors interested in exhibits by local artists, mapping out a path to explore hidden gems of quality art, sculptures, and beautiful gardens. It can give visitors a chance to pick up something fresh for the home.
Enriched with a mix of Aboriginal culture and urban street art, the Public Art trail is a fabulous mix of sculptures and murals set amongst lush outdoor walks. Check out street art by world-renowned graffiti artists such as Adnate and Smug or stop and gaze at the Aboriginal Carved Poles by Jerrinja Elder, Uncle Noel Wellington.
The Heritage walk takes visitors back tens of thousands of years, visiting European-style architecture and some of the oldest buildings in Australia. Embark on this trail to explore the region’s quaint cottages, old terraces, heritage pubs and more.
Craft & Artisan showcases an eccentric mix of local makers peddling souvenirs that ooze a bit of retro, nanna charm or something sleek and modern. Pick up handcrafted wares and upcycled goods at Sol Sisters, beautifully glazed porcelain goods from Yatte Yattah Pottery, or get hands on at a creative workshop with The Artisan Collective.
The Music & Performing Arts trail adds live entertainment to the journey with stunning shows and performances, both from local and international acts. The fun ranges from quality Australian theatre and musical stages, to musicians gigging in historic buildings for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Connect with local artists and the community on the Events & Festivals trail which changes every season. In autumn, the Blessing of the Fleet Festival celebrates fishing and maritime culture over Easter, with family-friendly events, parades and fireworks. Winter showcases recitals, concerts, and sculptures with the likes of Kangaroo Valley Arts Festival, Culburra Beach’s Burradise and the spectacular SeeChange Festival in Jervis Bay. Spring holds creative meetings with musicians, artists, films with Milton-Ulladulla’s Escape ARTfest and summer holds Fairgrounds, a two day music festival with only the best international and local acts.
The Workshops & Talks trail brings out the creative side of visitors with amazing workshops like hand-making kokodamas or succulent wreaths atThe Mud Shed, weaving traditional Aboriginal baskets at Bugiya Naway Buradja, and even some chocolate-making fun at The Chocolate Cottages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Web: www.shoalhaven.com/art-culture
Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitshoalhaven
Twitter: www.twitter.com/visitshoalhaven
Instagram: @visitshoalhaven
Hashtags: #artshoalhaven #unspoilt
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