Tasmanian talent will be showcased at Junction Arts Festival after its creative director Greg Clarke scoured the state for artistic treasures.
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Clarke has been travelling around the country on-and-off for the past year, searching festivals, galleries and theatres for new talent.
And he thinks he has found a few gems for the festival, which opens with an intergalactic Space Calypso Party on Wednesday night and runs until Sunday afternoon.
“This year, we’ve really focused on Tasmanian artists, so I’ve spent a lot more time in Tasmania, meeting with artists and developing new work with them,” he said.
“Having done one Junction Festival, I was blown away by the local artists who I met.”
Clarke, who has been the creative director for Sydney Mardi Gras and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, said the central hub would enable people to meet to socialise, have a drink and explore the artistic wonderland at Prince’s Square.
Festival general manager Steve Henty has been involved in Junction for the past six years, taking over his current position last year.
“It all goes up pretty quickly,” Henty said.
“What we can transform in the park in a couple of days is amazing and it’s exciting to be a part of.”
In the space of two days, Henty and the Junction team set up the main venues of the hub and were in the process of working on the inside.
The festival started off a lot smaller, with less funding and it was spread across the city.
However, Junction had grown, embracing different artistic talents and creating a central hub, he said.
“That [evolving] needs to keep happening, if we keep doing the same thing, we will become stagnant,” Henty said.
Greg Clarke’s ‘Must-See’ list for Junction 2017
If you’re into live music – Head to the Fountain Bar every evening. The Fountain Bar has a stellar music lineup, and it’s free all festival!
If you’re into dance – Join Tasdance for The Great Community Dance Mashup, and participate in workshops which combine dance, music, drawing and photography, or head over the Chalmer’s Church and watch Stompin present a showcase of self-devised site- specific performance as part of Nightlight.
If you’re into theatre – Check out Launceston’s newest theatre company, Relevant, as they present Pronoun, a love story about transition, testosterone and James Dean, or follow the Friedman family on a journey through three locations in Mudlark Theatre’s U L G by Lyndon Riggall.
If you’re into cabaret – Check out the stunning lineup of local and international fringe acts at The Prince’s Palace including acclaimed cabaret performer Michael Griffiths who is presenting two of his award winning shows, and multi-instrumentalist Adam Page who is described as a “musical wizard”.
If you’re into comedy – Head to the Prince’s Palace for Three’s A Crowd, a stand-up comedy event featuring some of Tasmania’s best comedians.
If you want something more laid back – Relax on the lawns of Prince’s Square for The Acoustic Picnic or grab a bite to eat at one of the food vendors and chill out with your friends throughout the festival.
If you have kids – Have some bubbly fun at Dr Hubble’s Bubble Show, join the kids disco at Wig Out, find out why Adam Page has a toilet seat on his head at Like it or Loop It, or hit the Think Big Kids Zone for fun throughout the festival.
If you’re into immersive art experiences – Jump into bed with Uta Uber Kool Ja, or grab your Hanky Map and immerse yourself in the self-guided art walk, Nightlight.
If you want a place to catch up with friends – Head to the Prince’s Palace from 10:30pm every evening, as it is transformed into Nightcap, featuring chilled jazz and stunning Tasmanian wine and spirits.