Art in age of uncertainty

Arts and cultural events and activities, especially in difficult times, offer a chance for social cohesion, a coming together of community, escapism, reflection and pure entertainment.

Presented by Regional Arts NSW and Arts North West and supported by Tamworth Regional Council, Entertainment Venues and Tamworth Regional Gallery, Artstate aims to shine a light on excellence in regional arts practice, bringing with it a curated Arts Program involving the very best and brightest talent.

This year's program explores the themes of On Country - In Country and Arts in the Age of Uncertainty. Single-day tickets to see the speaker's program were released earlier this month; however, there is also a huge program of free music, art and performance events to enjoy which will highlight our region's profound artistic and cultural identity.

The event will kick off with a fantastic and free opening ceremony in Bicentennial Park on Thursday evening to welcome visitors to Tamworth and celebrate the elements that uniquely identify us as Kamilaroi and the New England North West.

The creative part of the night begins with a performance by the Gomeroi Dance Company, musicians Stephen Blanch, Simon Abrahams and Mark Atkins, and a visual animation by local artist Danny Stanley.

There will also be performances from Gabriela McDonald, Loren Ryan and Felicity Urquhart, as well the Tamworth City Dance Academy, Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music and the Tamworth and Gunnedah Brass Bands and Tamworth Pipers.

With a title of Yaama (Gamilaraay for welcome), the opening ceremony is sure to be a great night of free entertainment.

Find the full program at www.artstate.com.au.

Peter Ross is the Manager at Entertainment Venues and is the Director of Artstate's Yaama event.