Living Art Weekend

St Leonards will be showcasing local artists over three days for the Living Art Weekend. It began in 2014 with just one night and now in 2016 the festival has expanded to fill a whole weekend.

Artists of all shapes and sizes have been working on a number of buildings and this weekend allows the public to take a behind the scenes look at what is happening in their local area. The buildings they’ve used for the festival are waiting for redevelopment, so while they’re sitting doing nothing, they’ve been turned into galleries, cafes and other creative spaces.

Not only will there be behind the scenes action but also talks by the artists, workshops, activities, and performances plus food and drink stalls. Curator James Winter is very excited for this weekend and has designed this year’s festival to be more family friendly.

“This year we’ve focused on marketing to families and local communities,” he said.

“There’s an emphasis on participation, workshops and children’s activities. It’s for people with [an interest in] creative arts and [who are] curious about what’s happening.”

Winter has a few favourite events he can’t wait for the public to see. One of them is on Friday night where Tame the Pixel have taken over Atchinson Lane and will project graphics onto the walls to brighten up what is usually a dull and dreary lane.

There will also be the opening of the area’s new artist-run café, X and Co on Chandos Street, at night it transforms into a pop up jazz bar. (AMal)

Mar 11–13. Atchinson St, Atchinson Lane, Chandos St, between Oxley and Mitchell Streets. Free. Info: eventbrite.com.au or look up the event on Facebook 

BY ATHINA MALLIS