Q&A with Andrew Galan about Canberra Festivals.

Andrew Galan has been assisting with putting on festivals and events in Canberra for the past eight years. He has assisted in running: The Fringe Festival, Noted Festival, You are Here, Folk Festival and the BAD!SLAM!NO!BISCUIT! Poetry slam. I spoke with Andrew to find out more about these local festivals.

Q: How did you get involved in helping run these festivals?

A: By taking part in events as an artist, as well as organising regular and one off events in Canberra. A big part has been running BAD!SLAM!NO!BISCUIT! since 2009, but I’ve also tried to push my writing and performing as much as possible by seeking publication and opportunities to perform. I think this has helped to create opportunities

Q: What arts have you found to be the most popular in Canberra?

A: Among the people I know it is music and poetry that get people out and involved in Canberra’s arts scene. These are also probably the most accessible via open mics and poetry slams at the Phoenix, the Front and Smiths Alternative.

Q: How well does the Canberra community support these Festivals?

A: Like anything I think that more money could be invested in the arts by the ACT Government, particularly festivals such as You Are Here and Noted, as well as with organisations such as BAD!SLAM!NO!BISCUIT!. The community do a great job of taking part in events; I think the biggest challenge is letting people know what is on and when.

Q: Out of the festivals Canberra hosts, are there any arts that are represented less than others?

A: I don’t see mime being performed in Canberra, but I am probably not going to the mime events.

Q: How important are festivals to Canberra?

A: They can provide an excellent way for local artists to engage with each other, new audiences, as well as connect with interstate artists. For me You Are Here has provided an important avenue to explore new work, new approaches to writing and performing, and to reach broader audiences. You Are Here supported me as a writer in residence, as well as to create a one person theatre show. They’ve also supported BAD!SLAM!NO!BISCUIT! and I’ve seen them, and when I was a producer been part of, providing opportunities to many Canberra artists.