Concert bringing a party to the stage

THE Ballarat Arts Foundation will hold the latest concert in their Made in Ballarat series next month.

To be staged at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on Sunday, 15 May, it will star opera and musical theatre performer David Hobson, alongside more than 50 artists, with band direction from Damien Woods.

BAF chair Paula Nicholson said Made in Ballarat is a way for the Foundation to mark their most recent milestone anniversary, after initial plans were impacted by the pandemic.

“We look forward to celebrating our belated 21st birthday at the concert,” she said.

“Joining our patron David Hobson is a line-up packed with Ballarat Arts Foundation alumni, accompanied by the band, and they’re guaranteed to bring a party to the stage.

“Whilst this concert is largely featuring performing artists, it is a celebration of 21 years of supporting all genres of the arts, and therefore the work of visual artists will be shown on screen, adding to the performance.”

Previous BAF award winners Louis Stevens and Marcus Govan have composed an original piece of music commissioned by the Foundation called Cycles electric, which will be performed during the first half.

BAF launched their broader programs for 2022 last month, which include one-on-one artist mentoring from July until November, and equipment grants.

“The need to support local artists is considered more important than ever given the impact the coronavirus continues to have on the cultural and creative sector, with an exciting mentoring program again planned for this year,” Mrs Nicholson said.

“Structured mentoring partnerships allow those being mentored to gain new skills and increased confidence in their abilities, while mentors can benefit from having the opportunity to share their skills and give back to the community by engaging with talented artists.”

A recent Victorian Opera concert at Her Majesty’s Theatre which raised $18,000 for the Ballarat Arts Foundation was also a recent “treat for audiences.”

“We’re so thrilled to be busy connecting art lovers with art makers, and to see so many of our BAF family out and about enjoying everything that Ballarat has to offer,” Mrs Nicholson said.

Made in Ballarat will begin at 2pm on Sunday, 15 May. Visit bit.ly/3vaNZxn for tickets.

If you’re a local artist interested in the mentoring program, applications are being received until this Saturday, 30 April. Visit bit.ly/38jvMVo to apply.