Blacktown Arts is presenting MAGNIFY.

Reaching from The Ponds in the north to Dawson Mall in the west,
Magnify will activate sites across Blacktown with music, dance, film
and installations. Local artists and communities will share stories of
our region through these 8 new creative experiences!

MEMORY

How do we respectfully capture and share the knowledge and stories of our Aboriginal elders? Internationally acclaimed artist Ursula Yovich and her band will present new music based on conversations with local elders in this intimate contemporary music concert. Become immersed in story through Ursula’s music over an afternoon tea of damper and sweets. Developed in partnership with Moogahlin Performing Arts and the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation.

3 pm, Saturday 3 August

Courtyard, Holy Family Parish, Mount Druitt

This is a free event, however, bookings are required. Book here.

Image: Simon Cardwell.

AMPLIFIED

Brothers Ernest and Andrew Aaron collaborate on a multimedia immersive art installation, fusing experimental sound manipulation, sampling and improvisation through digital and analogue technologies. Field recordings, video and photography are utilised to magnify the everyday sights and sounds of the neighbourhood.

This project was assisted by a grant from Create NSW, an agency of the New South Wales Government. The NSW Artists’ Grant is administered by the National Association of the Visual Arts.

Performance and artist talk:

3 pm – 4 pm, Saturday 10 August

This is a free event, however, bookings are required. Book here.

Installation:
10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 3 August – 17 August

The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre

Image: Ernest Aaron and Andrew Aaron

WOVEN HOME

What does it mean to weave and create your own space? What does it mean to be home? Local artist Naomi Hamer has been collaborating with residents of Blacktown’s North Western suburbs to create a bold new work that weaves conversations around place, home and connection. Made collectively by local residents using different textile materials, the artwork will hang proudly in the Dennis Johnson Branch Library. Created by Naomi Hamer (Textile artist), Cali Prince (Community Facilitator) and local residents.

Wednesday 7 August – Friday 30 August

Dennis Johnson Branch Library, Stanhope Gardens

Image: Joshua Morris

TERET TERET

Experience an evening of food, music and storytelling held at a local Ethiopian restaurant hosted by Blacktown community leader Assefa Bekele. Over a communal meal, Assefa will share his story – from his beginnings as an African village boy, to his time as an Athens-based academic and final settlement in Australia. Assefa is a respected leader at the heart of Australia’s African/Western culture-clash, and an important local voice in the heart of Blacktown’s wider community. Performed by Assefa Bekele. Written by Assefa Bekele and Robert Colman.

6.30 pm, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August

Abyssina Ethiopian Restaurant

Bookings required. Book here.

Image: Anna Kucera

BLACKTOWN SHORTS

Directed by Vonne Patiag, Blacktown Shorts showcases unique stories through the lenses of 5 local filmmakers: Herbert Leota, Wayne Tunks, Lily Cheng, Sabina Giado and Thuy Nguyen. From an exploration of diversity in the fashion industry, to an intimate love letter to the Sri Lankan Muslim diaspora; celebrate our emerging local film industry in a cosy afternoon of film, nibbles and live music.

3 pm, Saturday 24 August

The Blacktown Showground Precinct

Bookings required. Book here.

Screening in Gallery 1 at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre for two weeks following the event.

Image: Joshua Morris

THE GOOD WOMAN

The Good Woman is a new play about the courage to speak up for yourself and for others. Based on the true stories and experiences of Blacktown-based social worker Maryam Zahid, founder of the online movement Afghan Women on the Move, The Good Woman will take audiences on an intimate journey that is both private and public, thoughtful and witty, authentic and true. Performed by Maryam Zahid and Odile Le Clezio. Written by Maryam Zahid and Robert Colman. Directed by Robert Colman.

7 pm, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August

The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre

Bookings required. Book here.

Image: Anna Kucera

SPOKEN

Experience a unique pop-up performance event in the laneways of Mount Druitt. #2770. This unique program curated by OpnSrc features spoken word, hip-hop, live music and break dance routines from artists across our region.

Featuring Kealoana Stevenson, ESKIE MC, Jonah Hammond, Srisha, USO Biggs and more.

5 – 7 pm, Thursday 5 September

Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt

Image: Nathan Chaan

PERCEPTIONS – Prohibido dar el cante

Blacktown Arts invites the wider community to an intimate fiesta at the Spanish Residential Gardens in Rooty Hill. Become immersed in Flamenco guitar recitals by world renowned guitarist Paco Lara, while feasting on paella and churros. The afternoon will culminate in the premiere of a new dance performance by Pepa Molina, Perceptions – Prohibido dar el cante. This new performance explores and celebrates the joys of movement and memory inspired by conversations with residents from the Spanish speaking Frail Aged Nursing Home. Featuring Pepa Molina (Flamenco dance & choreography), Elena Varga (Palmas – Percussion), Marco Van Doornam and Paco Lara (Flamenco guitar).

2 pm, Sunday 15 September

Residential Gardens, Rooty Hill

Bookings required. Book here.

Image: Joshua Morris

#MagnifyBlacktown