Time running out for Viva call

Local performers only have one day left to become part of Wollongong’s massive yearly street art festival.

The creative community of Wollongong and its northern suburbs are being asked to join performers from around Australia and all over the world by taking part in the Viva La Gong Festival 2008.

Viva La Gong is Wollongong’s annual street arts festival and will be held in October.

Thousands of people are expected to attend this year’s festival, and each year local performers make up a large contingent of the entertainment.

Organisers have said 2008 will be no different and organisers have asked for all interested parties to apply to be part of the exciting event.

The festival is seeking performers for festival stages & street arts events including artists, poets, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, circus folk, children entertainers and people to run creative workshops for children.

Applicants must be locally based, with individuals and arts or cultural organisations encouraged to apply.

Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator for Viva La Gong Carrie Edwards said the festival is about promoting local artists primarily.

“It’s a festival that celebrates Wollongong’s diversity of art and culture and for it to be 90 percent Wollongong based is really what we’re after- we want to showcase local artists,” Ms Edwards said.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘The Spirit of Flight’.

Events will run over four days, from Thursday October 9 to Sunday October12 and include orchestral concerts, music, open-air party nights, dance, theatre, and grand finale event held at the Wollongong Botanical Gardens.

Organisers have already started predicting the best Viva La Gong festival ever.

Cultural Services Coordinator and Viva la Gong Festival Manager, Lisa Nolan from Wollongong City Council said she wants the community to get onboard and throw themselves into the festival spirit.

“Our Festival continues to be an annual cultural highlight, regularly featuring performers of international standing and renown as well as home grown talent,” she said.

“Whether you live in the Wollongong or whether you are going to be visiting, I hope you enjoy immersing yourself in the delights that the festival will have to offer.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, May 9.

Application forms and further information is available on www.vivalagongfestival.org.

Enquiries can be made by calling 4251 4712.