Past events are archived for future reference.
CANCELLED: The Shepparton Festival, now its 24th year, has launched an exciting program for 2020.
Announcement from Shepparton Festival, Monday 16 March 2020:
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Shepparton Festival program is cancelled
This morning, the Victorian Government declared a state of emergency effective 12 noon today. As ...a community organisation, we must act in our collective interest. As an event organiser, we must play a role in “flattening the curve” to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our community and beyond. As an employer, we must ensure we protect staff and contractors. We have therefore decided to cancel this year’s Shepparton Festival program.
We are now working with our partners to manage the implications of this decision, and we are turning our minds to planning for alternative dates for the delivery of cancelled events.
If you have any further questions please contact us at admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Fiona Smolenaars
Shepparton Festival Chair
Titled EVOLVE 2020, the festival runs over 17 days. Watch the Goulburn Valley unfold as it hosts over 60 events, showcasing more than 250 artists in 40 venues.
The program delivers a diverse range of events including visual arts, comedy, music, workshops, films, performance, feasts and a line-up of unique events you won’t want to miss.
Whether you crave a taste of culture, want to experience unusual places, are keen to explore art through your senses or simply love time with friends and family, EVOLVE 2020 has something for you.
Check out the Shepparton Festival Facebook page here.
Date - 29/2/20
Time - 10:30am to 12pm or 2pm to 3:30pm
Location - Dookie Artists
Cost - Free
Contact details - Liz Evans on 0427 091 399
Children are invited to experiment with a variety of mediums to design their own silo art. Their work will then become part of the silo exhibition for the Shepparton Festival.
Children 10 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Artwork created will become part of the festival event, with the Silo Exhibition opening on Saturday 14 March as part of the Shepparton Festival.
Date - 13/3/20
Time - 6.00pm
Location - Maude St Mall Stage
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Everyone is invited to the Opening of the Shepparton Festival which, this year, will take place in the heart of the CBD, Maude St Mall.
On display will be the various artworks that local artists have produced to encapsulate this year’s theme EVOLVE.
Our Creative Director, Jamie Lea, will give you a few tips about how you can get the most out of this year’s festival. “There’s no better way to start the festival than to join us at the Festival Opening Celebration! It’s a great way to meet people and it gives you a flavour of what is to come, and what to look out for, and what to be sure to attend.”
For the visually stimulated, you can come and see the artwork produced by Shepparton’s emerging artists as a response to our Call to Create - comprising the entries created for our guide cover for 2020.
But for the aurally focussed, we also have the creative writing responses to the artwork in our second Call to Create which entails the authors from GV Writers Group reading their works.
This is a great place to celebrate what promises to be a fabulous 17 days for everyone associated with the festival: artists, punters, organisers, sponsors and performers.
Afterwards we will stroll down Maude St to #108, where we look forward to viewing the exhibition of Life Drawing Exhibition at their opening.
Date - 13/3/20 to 29/3/20
Location - Various
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Register your interest for the Exhibition closing party here.
Sensing Place, a visual arts project conceptualised and delivered by Kristen Retallick.
Kristen has collaborated with perfumer, Rebecca Young to create an art experience for the senses inside a converted caravan that will appear at various locations and events throughout the festival.
The van is a mobile exhibition space and the work inside intends to spark nostalgic memory through the combination of abstract artwork and scent. Viewers will be asked to write or draw a response to Sensing Place after they have experienced the work, which will then be added to an installation in the window at Fryers St Food Store.
The window installation will be viewable day and night from outside the café. To bring together all the elements of the project, the van will be parked at The Vault for a closing party, including an artist talk and a final chance to experience the work and view the finished exhibition including the viewer contributions.
Mobile exhibition: Friday 13 March to Sunday 29 March. Follow SheppFest on social media for updates.
Window Installation: Friday 13 March to Sunday 29 March. The Food Store, 53 Fryers St Shepparton
Exhibition Closing Party: Thursday 26 March 6:30pm. The Vault, 168R Maude St Shepparton. Register here.
Date - 13/3/20 to 29/3/20 (Saturday and Sunday only)
Time - 10am - 5pm
Location - Longleat Winery, 105 Old Weir Road, Murchison
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Kaiela Spirit is a bamboo sculpture within a bush land setting on the banks of the Kaiela (Goulburn River) at Longleat Winery, Murchison.
The sculpture represents the cultural heritage and of the spirit of the land.
Kaiela Spirit is made by John Head with bamboo donated by Ian Christoe and the assistance of Sandra and Guido Vazzoler, Sonny Cooper and the ‘Goats’ Cycling Club.
Date - 13/3/20 to 29/3/20
Time - 10am to 5pm
Location - Riverlinks Eastbank, 70 Welsford Road, Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Focused on the theme of EVOLVE, this exhibition aims to capture the changing landscape, culture, and people of Shepparton from the perspective of local people with a disability.
Featuring a mixture of black and white, and colour photography, this exhibition promotes inclusion in all ways in the Shepparton community.
This project is made possible through support from Shepparton Festival and Riverlinks.
Date - 13/3/20 to 29/3/20
Time - Open during cellar door hours
Location - Tallis Wine Cellar Door, 195 Major Plains Rd, Dookie
Cost - Free
Contact details - 0437 825 547
RUST & WINE is an exhibition of large-scale sculptures scattered around the Tallis Wine cellar door landscape.
This is a rare opportunity to experience a collaboration of works between well-known, local artists Tank and Steve Tobin set within the spectacular landscape at Tallis Cellar door.
Cellar door opening hours:
Tuesday - Thursday 11am to 4pm
Friday - Sunday 11am to 5pm
Closed Mondays.
Date - 13/3/20 to 29/3/20
Time - Available to view any time
Location - Dookie
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
The silo art trend is infusing Australians with newfound energy and enthusiasm. Dookie’s Nomadic Silos are a quirky response to this iconic project.
A collection of mobile bins and silos have been converted into a series of nomadic artworks, using a variety of mediums.
For the duration of the festival, these nomadic artworks will be located in the Dookie township.
Date - 13/3/20 to 29/3/20
Time - Various
Location - Primary and secondary schools around the Goulburn Valley
Cost - Free
Contact details - namnotlimah@gmail.com
Nam is a zoologist, so evolution means Darwin. With boxes crammed with skulls and dead animal parts, Nam will host a travelling evolution extravaganza!
As betrayed by the title and the photograph, this activity addresses the theme EVOLVE in two ways.
First and foremost, the Darwinian view of evolution of species is tackled in a practical way: through interpretation of skeletons, especially skulls.
Second, the concept of personal development and one’s role in the world is challenged, through the humbling and close-to-the-bone realisation of who and what we are descended from. In short, we discover who we are.
If your school is interested in hosting this curriculum-friendly show then please email Nam to book.
Date - 13/3/20 onwards
Time - Anytime
Location - Stubbs Wallace car park, 160 Welsford St Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
The Festival Wall is an exciting collaboration between the Shepparton Festival, local accounting firm Stubbs Wallace, and the students from secondary schools in Greater Shepparton.
Asking students to respond to the festival theme EVOLVE this outdoor temporary art space is where local and emerging artists can be supported, commissioned and curated as part of the Festival program.
This year’s works will be available to view for an entire year, starting at the 2020 Shepparton Festival!
Date - 14/3/20
Time - 10am to 2:30pm
Location - La Trobe University Shepparton, 210 Fryers St Shepparton
Cost - $10
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Join playwright/screenwriter Hannie Rayson and theatre director/historian Michael Cathcart. This is a popular writing workshop for anyone who wants to write their own life story, or to write a family history.
You’ll discover how to structure your story. What to include and what to leave out. And how to engage your reader by bringing your own perspective and insights to your work. You’ll also develop simple techniques to overcome writers’ block.
This event will also give you a sneak preview of our major winter event, Hello, Shepparton! – an exciting story-telling show which you and your friends are invited to join in.
Hannie Rayson is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and columnist. She is the author of the best-selling memoir, Hello, Beautiful!
Michael Cathcart is a theatre director and award-winning historian. Michael presents The Stage Show on ABC Radio National.
Please bring: A pen and writing pad – or a laptop if that’s how you prefer to work. A photograph of someone who changed your life. An object which you associate with a key person – or a key event – in your life.
Dates - 14/3/20 to 29/3/20
Time - 10am to 5:30pm
Location - Dookie Artists Tree, 64 Mary St, Dookie
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Sometimes considered a work of art in themselves, decommissioned silos are a popular canvas for visual art in country towns, changing the way we think about the land and our surroundings.
This exhibition explores the many different ways of looking at silos, featuring many artists using many different mediums, including sculpture, photography, drawing, painting, and anything else silo-related.
There will be an exhibition opening on Saturday 14th March from 5pm.
Date - 14/3/20
Time - 7.00pm
Location - Dookie Quarry, Baldock St, Dookie
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Experience the power of sound, light and movement in one of the most magical spaces right on our doorstep. This will be a multilayered spectacular at Goulburn Valley’s best kept secret location, the Dookie Quarry.
In this incredible amphitheatre, the audience will be surrounded by a choir
(directed by Ryan Black) singing harmoniously in the round, an all-body
sensory experience.
Performing alongside the choir will be singer-songwriter Scott Darlow, a
mainstay of Australia’s Indigenous and independent music industry. With
acoustic guitar in hand, Scott will share with us originals that cross the
spectrum from country to heartland rock, to more traditional pop, all
unified by Scott’s passionate, anthemic approach.
After two successful years with the Shepparton Festival, Awaken Dance
Theatre Company (directed by Kyla McGregor) will return to delight the
audience with a unique theatrical experience as the sun sets. Using the
textured red stone faces of the quarry as a canvas, dancers will perform
contemporary piece “For the One” in conjunction with atmospheric
lighting, projection and shadow effects.
The evening will close with music from experimental duo, Wildebeest.
The Dookie Quarry is a truly breathtaking space, making this another unique event in an unusual place.
Refreshments will be available for purchase or BYO picnic. Registrations are essential.
Date - 14/3/20 to 15/3/20
Time - 11am to 5pm
Location - 'Maude', 108 Maude St, Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Exploring the evolution of the diverse and vibrant work of the Shepparton Life Drawing group, with old and new members, some working continuously over 21 years.
From a floating participation group of around 20, works in charcoal, pastel, pencil, ink, oils and watercolours regularly thrill with vibrance, intensity and energy.
There will be an exhibition opening on Friday 13 March from 7:30pm.
Date - 14/3/20 to 15/3/20
Time - Various
Location - Various
Cost - Free/pay what you feel
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Melbourne based Affinity Quartet explores diverse histories in the string quartet to bring classical music to wider audiences.
Comprising musicians from the country’s leading orchestras and ensembles, this group has been described as the ‘next generation of Australian classical superstars’ (Play On Music).
This one-hour concert allows music-lovers to hear and see the quartet up close. Affinity Quartet’s ode to the string quartet is not to be missed!
Performances:
Saturday 14 March at 7pm
St Alban's Anglican Church, 15-17 Young St Mooroopna
Cost: Pay what you feel
Sunday 15 March at 2pm
La Trobe University 210 Fryers St Shepparton
Cost: Free
Register here.
Affinity Quartet will also host a free 2-hour workshop on Sunday 15 March from 10am to 12pm at La Trobe University.
Come along to learn from the best of the best.
Register here.
Date - 14/3/20 to 21/4/20
Time - 9am to 4pm
Location - Alex Rigg Foyer, Riverlinks Eastbank, 70 Welsford St Shepparton
Cost - $3
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Shepparton Textile Artists are putting on a week-long exhibition exploring the constantly evolving world of fibre and thread.
The exhibition will feature textile art that uses techniques such as embroidery, dyeing, weaving, sewing, beading, and painting.
Every piece is a unique work of art. Be enthralled!
Date - 14/3/20 to 10/4/20
Time - 9am to 4.30pm
Location - La Trobe University Shepparton, 210 Fryers St Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
La Trobe University at the Shepparton Campus are proud to display some of the shortlisted works from the Australian Muslim Artists Exhibition, hosted by the Islamic Museum of Australia and sponsored by La Trobe University, featuring 2011 Archibald finalist and recipient of the inaugural $15,000 Art Prize, artist Abdul Abdullah.
We are delighted to welcome some of the artists who will be joining us at the Opening. There will be an exhibition opening including a floor talk on Saturday 14 March from 2pm.
Date - 16/3/20
Time - 7pm to 7.30pm
Location - University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health, Graham St Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact details - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
From Shepparton business, to national idiom “GOOD, BETTER, BEST - NEVER LET IT REST - TILL YOUR GOOD IS BETTER - AND YOUR BETTER, BEST.” Furphy have been a part of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley since the mid 1870s.
Founded by John Furphy, a son of Irish immigrants, the company grew out of a blacksmith’s shop and over the years has grown and adapted to the demands of change and progress.
The water cart was one of their most successful inventions and has made the family name particularly well known. Once a soldier’s slang, it is now a part of the Australian vocabulary, but how many of us use the word “Furphy” and know its origins?
Come and find out at this film’s advanced preview.
Date - 17/3/20
Time - 6.00pm
Location - Shepparton Library, 41 Marungi St, Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact details - 1300 374 765
For the Shepparton Festival theme EVOLVE the Human Book Club will present the topic: ‘my fabulous career change’.
This topic will look at the changing face of the workforce, and the expectations and demands that shape the decisions about when, how and where we work. A job or career for life is no longer the expectation or reality of anyone in the workforce.
The Human Book Club will give participants a chance to tell their stories,
or hear the stories of others, and give these stories about work and career
evolution a human face.
Date - 17/3/20 to 24/3/20
Time - 6.30pm
Location - GOTAFE, 152-200 Fryers St, Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
True Vision is a documentary about Alfie. It is the story of a little boy who was born with an impossible diagnosis, and his mother who was determined not to let it define him.
Follow home-grown producer Diana Fisk on a journey to create a film of inspiration and hope. Challenge your senses and experience the screening of ‘True Vision’ blind-folded to explore diagnosis, disability and perceptions around disability. Or if you would rather, come a week later to see the film in a more traditional setting.
This event will spark conversation and expand the idea of what is possible for someone living with a disability.
This project is made possible with the support of The Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, and Film Victoria.
Blind screening: Tuesday 17 March. Register here.
Regular screening: Tuesday 24 March. Registrations
Date - 19/3/20
Time - 7.00pm
Location - Terminus Hotel, 212 High St, Shepparton
Cost - $20.00
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Are you a fan of post-dinner conversation? You know, the kind that only kicks in 3 wines deep and after the sun has set? Be a part of the SheppFest Podcast as we dive into what it means to EVOLVE looking at the role of the arts within both community and self-evolution.
With a superstar panel of special guests and performances led by Tenielle McKenzie, this is a night worth leaving the dinner table for. Tenielle is a songwriter, performer and podcaster dedicated to the art of storytelling.
Whatever the form, Tenielle’s art shines a light on the human suffering
which unifies mankind, yet amongst the pathos, Tenielle’s trademark incisive humour will leave you smiling.
Tune in to our pre-festival podcast from February! Follow us on Facebook for details.
Date - 20/3/20
Time - 5pm to 8pm
Location - Victory Park, St Georges Rd, Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
The St Georges Road Community invites you to an evening of family friendly fun.
Featuring cultural games and activities, including soccer, bocce, egg and spoon races, henna painting and much more.
Come and eat delicious food, connect with your neighbour, and experience the exciting and varied traditions of those that live here.
Kindly supported by the Ethnic Council.
Date - 20/3/20
Time - 7pm
Location - La Trobe University Shepparton, 210 Fryers St Shepparton
Cost - Full: $25 Concession: $20 Unwaged: $10
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Women of the White House is an all-singing, all-dancing, part drag, all wigs, tell-all exposé of true facts, fake news, and modern-day right-wing conservative feminism from inside the big orange world of Trump.
Date - 20/3/20 to 22/3/20
Time - 2pm and 7pm
Location - Shepparton Theatre Arts Group, Bakehouse BlackBox Theatre, 17 Wheeler St Shepparton
Cost - $15
Contact information - info@stagtheatre.com
Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s favourite ten-minute play festival, 10 in Ten is coming back to the Bakehouse Black Box Theatre as part of the Shepparton Festival.
Responding to the Festival theme EVOLVE, audiences will be treated to a wide range of plays put together by Shepparton’s most talented performers and directors. From amnesia, to crooked financial advisors, struggling relationships, to a ghost trying to reach the afterlife, these ten plays thoroughly explore what it means to evolve, in every sense of the word.
The plays:
Performances:
Friday 20th 7pm
Saturday 21st 7pm & 2pm
Sunday 22nd 2pm
Date - 21/3/20
Time - 6pm
Location - Rumbalara Football Netball Club Social Room, 20 Mercury Drive Shepparton
Cost - $15.00
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Blak Cabaret is a raucous addition to Shepparton Festival. Hosted by Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC) and Malthouse Theatre, you will be captivated by a night of sparkling variety that assembles some of Australia’s finest Indigenous musicians, comedians and dancers on stage in RFNC’s social room.
With cabaret table-style seating, refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the evening to keep the good times flowing.
What better way to celebrate the opening of the footy/netball season than an uproarious and subversive party that lights up the night with music, comedy and dance!
Date - 21/3/20 to 22/3/20
Time - 10am to 3pm
Location - SPC Factory Sales, Rowe St Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Presented by Word and Mouth, Artwork Evolution is a free public art activity that encourages everyone to join in the creativity.
A public mural will be created by throwing paint filled balloons at a wall, evolving throughout the festival as more and more are thrown! All are encouraged to participate!
Local artist Tank will be there to guide the creation of this community masterpiece.
Date - 23/3/20
Time - 6pm
Location - Bangerang Cultural Centre, 1 Evergreen Way Shepparton
Cost - $20
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Come and celebrate the Aboriginal culture at this unique evening. Immerse yourself in history as Elders guide you through the significant Bangerang Cultural Centre collection, the extent of which will amaze you! Be fascinated by the stories behind the artefacts and blown away by their antiquity. Traditional dance and food tastings make this evening a truly special one.
Date - 23/3/20 to 27/3/20
Time - 10am to 5pm. Live performance at 12pm each day.
Location - Chapel on Maude, 160 Maude St, Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Locally raised and internationally successful musician Ryan Meeking will explore the festival theme EVOLVE through music by writing, creating, performing, and upskilling during week two of the festival!
The charming Chapel on Maude will host Ryan for the week when he will create and hone a new musical creation. Ryan will invite the public to observe part of the writing, recording, and development process. Each day at midday the public can take their lunch break in a unique way by watching Ryan perform his most recent addition to his festival masterpiece plus originals and some of his all-time favourite covers.
Audiences can keep up to date on the progress of Ryan’s EVOLVE creation via an online blog and by live streaming. In an exciting and rare opportunity, Ryan will also offer a series of hour long, one-on-one sessions with young people who wish to develop their music writing skills.
Date - 24/3/20
Time - 11.00am (kids session) or 4.00pm (adult session)
Location - Shepparton Library, 41 Marungi St, Shepparton
Cost - Gold coin donation
Contact information - 1300 374 765
Learn from one of the brightest faces in comic art. Mandy is an illustrator and cartoonist with a wealth of published work, including children’s books and comics for various publications, including The Age.
She has a passion for teaching, delivering lectures and leading workshops across Australia and internationally.
Learn illustrative techniques, build your confidence and create your own
work, all in a relaxed and fun environment, with separate workshops for
children and adults.
Contact Shepparton Library on 1300 374 765 to register.
Date - 26/3/20
Time - 7pm
Location - La Trobe University Shepparton, 210 Fryers St Shepparton
Cost - $25.00
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Jamie Boiskin’s a menstrual activist. Wait, wait, come back, I promise it’s okay! Jamie’s on a mission: to stop men backing away from the word ‘period’. And could we chat about Endo?
Informative, riotous, this cabaret fights period stigma with slut drops, tampon bullets, and a RuPaul inspired uterus.
Date - 27/3/20
Time - 7pm to 10:30pm
Location - The Vault, 168R Maude St Shepparton
Cost - General admission: $16, reserved seat: $21
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Two great bands to make you laugh, dance and clap your hands to the evolution of groove. This night takes you on a musical journey through original songs in the style of 60s Northern Soul, Southern Rock, New Orleans Funk, Ska, Rocksteady from The Offtopics followed by the smooth 70s Grooves and Modern Disco of The Deans of Soul.
The Deans of Soul Winners of The Age Music Victoria Award for Best Indigenous Act 2014. Nominated for “Band of the Year” in the prestigious Deadly Awards in 2007 Here’s what people have to say about The Offtopics: “They are a... GREAT, little band. They put on SUCH a good show!” Vince Peach (Legendary 3PBS Soul DJ) “They’re like the orgiastic love ritual of Frank Zappa, Charles Bradley and the Doobie Brothers!” Arik Bluhm (Music Project Officer, Multicultural Arts Victoria)
Date - 28/3/20
Time - 4pm
Location - Converge on the Goulburn, Victoria Park Lake Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
In the mode of The Longest Morning Tea, Splinter Contemporary Artists present The Longest Art Table during the Converge on the Goulburn festival.
With art materials supplied, adults and children can paint, draw, print or stencil their images to show their own journeys. These could be physical journeys to get here, or their journey in life.
Over time one super-long canvas will evolve, telling the collective stories of those that participated.
Date - 28/3/20
Time - 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Location - Converge on the Goulburn, Victoria Park Lake Shepparton
Cost - Free
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Do all boomerangs come back? During the Converge on the Goulburn festival, come and find out about the different designs and purposes for a boomerang.
Learn about how each man’s boomerang was marked, and then paint and mark your own decorative boomerang with your own symbolic story.
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by adult. No registrations are required.
Date - 29/3/20
Time - 2.00pm
Location - Junction Hotel, 24 Wren St, Toolamba
Cost - Adults $50.00, Children(U16) $5.00
Contact information - admin@sheppartonfestival.org.au
Everyone is invited! Join us as we close out SheppFest 2020 in the lush outdoor setting of the “The Back Paddock” at Toolamba’s iconic Junction Hotel.
Featuring music by Skuzz, a family trio that have played throughout the
Goulburn Valley and beyond for the last 15 years. Skuzz are renowned for their harmonies mixed with smooth acoustic guitar playing and the best song choices.
They will be joined by a surprise and stellar line up of local musicians, guaranteeing an afternoon of dancing, singing and good times. Relax and enjoy the music or dance the afternoon away.
With Shepparton Festival revealing the 2021 festival theme, this is a closing party not to be missed!
*A shuttle bus will be available for a small fee on top of ticket price.
