MAGNIFY LAUNCHES
Image: Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Gii Band
Image: Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Last Saturday, The Western was given the honour to attend the debut of MEMORY in Mt. Druitt. Talented artist Ursula Yovich supported by local band Gii. Ursula performed a collective of powerful songs that reflect and celebrate the Baabayn Aboriginal Community. These Stories explore the often overlooked narratives that uphold Indigenous Australian history - tales of trauma, pain, and love.
Magnify Soft Launch
Image: Beth Sorensen (@yesbethhh)
MEMORY is one of many artistic pieces set in the West. Blacktown Arts is hosting a cultural festival called Magnify. This festival encourages guests to immerse themselves in local communities within the Western suburbs. Across August and September, there will be an array of stories told through dance, film, and art installations. These tales were produced and created by local artists and community groups, all the way from the Ponds, to Dawson Mall in Mt. Druitt.
Magnify hopes to break down stigmas around accessing artistic and cultural spaces by bringing these many art forms to the West - an area that thrives on diversity and celebrates expressions of creativity. These pieces were made to be seen and celebrated - and where better to do that than home.
The Western will be on the ground covering the event - giving you exclusive highlights and a behind-the-scenes look at the talented artists on display, and the incredible efforts they put into their work.
EVENTS
Memory is a beautiful musical performance led by artist Ursula Yovich and her band. They share stories by Aboriginal Elders on memory.
Amplified is an art installation by brothers Ernest and Andrew Aaron. They reveal the everyday characteristics of Western Sydney through experimental sounds and technology. The two will take us through their creative process and share their journey in creating the art installation.
Teret teret
Assefa Bekele, a well respected leader within the community, will share his journey as an African village boy who ventures his way to Australia.Teret teret will be hosted in a local African restaurant, where you get the chance to learn and surround yourself in African culture.
Blacktown Shorts is a film festival directed by local artist Vonne Patiag, whose work has won awards around the world. One of his films was also featured in SBS’ Mardi Gras 2018 content slate. Expose yourself to the creative minds of upcoming filmmakers Herbert Leota, Wayne Tunks, Lily Cheng, Sabina Giado and Thuy Nguyen.
The Good Woman is a play written by Maryam Zahid, who founded the Afghan Women On The Move movement. Based on true stories, this piece encourages you to speak up for yourself and the people around you. Directed by Robert Coleman and performed by Maryam herself with Odile Le Clezio, The Good Woman strives for “Inclusivity, for Afghan audience to feel part of mainstream Australian society by seeing themselves and their stories presented in contemporary culture/performance. For the mainstream we aim for the audience to feel part of this community through sharing their stories and relating to the universal themes like courage and the need to stand up for your beliefs”.
Spoken is hosted by OPNSRC.CO, a local collective that aims to put Western Sydney on the map. The festival will be hosted in an alley in Mt.Druitt, with an incredible lineup of local artists that live and breathe Western Sydney.
Perceptions is a Spanish fiesta that celebrates and shares the story of Flamenco. Music will be performed by Flamenco guitarist Paco Lara and dancer Pepa Molina. “It’s a vital part of everyday life. Our culture is deeply rooted and influenced by music and dance. Flamenco was named of intangible world heritage by UNESCO in 2010 it’s one of Spain’s most important cultural exports internationally & an art form travellers flock to see when visiting. Flamenco is not only a way of life, but an important part of the Spanish culture.” says Pepa. Molina will be revealing an exciting new routine that is sure to get people moving!
For more information on the festival and a detailed breakdown of the events, head to the Blacktown Arts website.
