The Mackay Festival of Arts has enjoyed unprecedented growth over the past few years, developing from a small community festival to become one of the most distinctive regional festivals in Queensland. With an aim to enhance the lifestyle of Mackay and its region through the arts, this program is a rich blend of local and imported artists covering a diverse range of artistic expression.
Since its inception in 1987, several individuals and organisations - primarily derived from the arts sector, educational institutions and corporate industry - have played a vital role in enabling the event to flourish into a significant regional forum.
Major sponsor for the last eight years, G&S Engineering comment on their involvement by saying: “Our motivation from the start was to contribute to the cultural diversity of Mackay and ensure the viability of one of the city’s signature events. Mackay is the centre of the G&S operations and as such is the base of many of our staff, suppliers and clients. We see a wider fringe benefit, in that Mackay competes with the rest of Australia in attracting and retaining skilled people to our area.”
In 2009 the Mackay Festival of Arts will develop new projects in Sarina and the Pioneer Valley which will link artists, local communities and visitors to the region in unique arts events which involve food and performance. This Festival promises to deliver fantastic opportunities for local artists, residents and visitors to celebrate and contribute to the development of the arts industry in the Mackay region. It is truly the largest and most exciting Arts Festival in regional Queensland.
Why not sponsor a Festival event, or gain valuable experience by getting involved. Expressions of Interest are now open for food stall holders, craft stall holders, performers, artists, amusements, sponsors and volunteers.