NAFA COVID Safe debuts brand new art experience
Date published: 15 October 2020
Experience the dawn of a new art project when Dancenorth brings awake to The Strand as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) COVID Safe.
The immersive art production starts in the inky darkness of the early morning, where attendees will be provided with wireless headphones which play a stunning score composed by Tom Snowdon and Willaris. K (please note, correct artist name) while the sun rises over the ocean.
Dancenorth artistic director and co-chief executive Kyle Page said awake was a homage to the earth.
“awake sprung out of the silence and contemplation that has been demanded of us recently. Townsville, cradled in abundant nature, invited us to connect more deeply to its natural beauty and simplicity during that quiet time,” he said.
“So much of the ocean, the air we breathe and the ground we walk on is ignored; taken for granted. Our desire in the sharing of awake is to celebrate and bring nature to the foreground.
“To create a collective moment of art in and with nature, to welcome warmth, and calm back to our spirit. At this time, as we consider what now and normal is and can be, we can think of nothing more important than a moment to share the day’s beginning, the sun, the sea-spritzed morning air with the people of Townsville.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said awake was unlike anything else being shown at NAFA COVID Safe.
“NAFA is all about exploring how the arts community can push the envelope and create incredible experiences that celebrate the uniqueness of Townsville - awake definitely does this,” Cr Greaney said.
“I’m excited to have one of our city’s most beautiful locations feature in this one-of-a-kind art experience.”
awake starts this Sunday and runs until next Saturday, October 24.
NAFA COVID Safe runs until October 25. For more information, head to the NAFA website.
