Art, Not Apart and Canberra’s changing culture

On the day of Art, Not Apart it’s a beautiful sunny day, the sort of day which beckons for people to be outside. Thankfully this Canberra arts festival is an outdoor event.

Set in Westside Action Park and the New Acton precinct, Art, Not Apart took place on Saturday 19 March. The festival itself epitomises a shift which has taken place in Canberra’s culture over recent years.

For years Canberra was considered to be dull by residents and non-residents alike, however, Art, Not Apart proves Canberra is far from dull. One could almost be forgiven for thinking they were in Melbourne or Berlin.

On Saturday, the festival is bustling with activity. Alongside the art, Art, Not Apart also features street food, live performances and a suitcase rummage – an opportunity for Canberra residents to sell their old items including records, books and clothing.

The content of the festival is creative and innovative. There are an array of street performers including a dance trio which plants a garden whilst dancing and a caravan set up featuring live music all day with Lake Burley Griffin as the backdrop.

The artworks are eccentric yet wonderful. A number of the displays are featured in shipping containers in the Westside Acton Park. Artists are given the chance to completely express themselves and have transformed the dismal insides with their beautiful works of art. Some participants also did live paintings, allowing viewers to watch the progression of their work.

This is firmly a grassroots festival and it makes one wonder how Canberra’s talent was able to be discovered before Art, Not Apart entered the scene.

On its website biography, Art, Not Apart states “this isn’t just about art, but uses art as a metaphor. Art, Not Apart is about fading boundaries. Giving light to the lesser heard, lesser seen, inspires each of us.”

Elle Dawson of elfineslines said the festival is a great opportunity for artists to get their name out there.

“I think the success of the festival is definitely important because Canberra is so small” she said.

“It’s just a lot of fun, it’s good to get the Canberra community together.

“It’s such a great opportunity for local artists to get their name out there.”

Elle Dawson’s display was a collaboration between her and Caitlin Woodford. The two combined their very unique styles to create artworks fitting in with the theme – ‘Patterns of now.’ Their artworks are an array of colour and different patterns.

Art, Not Apart is an event which will become stronger as the years progress and it will continue to unmasked Canberra’s hidden talent.

Photo credit: Lucy Bladen