The Multi Arts Confederation continues its campaign for Gosford’s cultural precinct to be located on the waterfront with a Giant Heart event on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
The event is part of the Multi Arts Confederation’s (MAC) pro-arts agenda for Gosford and the greater region. The first ‘heart’ rally was photographed from a helicopter, which attracted some great attention for the region, according to MAC vice president, Ms Victoria (Fi) Hopkins.
“The plan is to keep growing the size of the heart with ongoing cultural events,” Ms Hopkins said. “The rally is linked to advocating for a significant cultural precinct and performing arts centre on the Gosford Waterfront, something that has very broad support across all community groups and political parties,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome, lovers, families and others are encouraged to wear something red to enhance the photograph and bring your “love locks” to add to the fence surrounding the site to claim the space,” she said.
Local Aboriginal elder, Mr Gavi Duncan will perform a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony inside the heart shape. Award winning composer, Ms Yantra de Vilder will be heading the event with an ensemble of musicians.
Ms de Vilder explores the intersection between classical and contemporary music, and inter-disciplinary and cross cultural arts practices. “For the Valentine’s Day rally, she has put together a special ensemble with some of her finest collaborators,” Ms Hopkins said.
Other live performers will include Michaele L Archer, Jess Graham, Lisa Stanford and Nicky G. Mr Greg Van Borssum will be guest speaker at the event to be held from 2:00pm on Gosford Leagues Club field. An earlier pop up protest took place on Gosford waterfront on January 23 with a waterfront community concert showcasing a who’s who of Coast entertainers including Fletcher Pilon, jazz bands, choirs and Mirrabooka.
“I am determined to preserve the beautiful waterfront precinct as a cultural and recreational space for the people of the Central Coast; not an ugly Government Tax Office Block.” Labor candidate for Robertson, Anne Charlton said. Music and entertainment filled the precinct, with over 200 signatures added to a community petition to preserve the waterfront.
“The Central Coast community has made it clear it wants the Australian Tax Office building in the CBD where it will be of most benefit to local businesses and the people want the waterfront as a cultural, arts and recreational zone they can be proud of,” Ms Charlton said. “It is time the Liberal Party listened to constituents,” she said.
“The message is clear, our community wants the jobs, but we want them on Mann St where that investment will be most beneficial to local businesses. “The waterfront zone must be left intact for an integrated iconic cultural hub for the people of the Central Coast,” said Ms Charlton.
Media release, Feb 8, 2016 Victoria Hopkins, Multi Arts Confederation Media release, Jan 27, 2016 Anne Charlton, Labor candidate for Robertson