Northern rivers residents are being urged to ‘get off their arts’ and discover the artistry and culture of Lismore and its surrounding villages during August.
For the second year, the City of Lismore will be celebrating all forms of art with hundreds of events showcasing the talent of local residents.
From tours, art shows, theatre and film nights, the Arts in August promotion is aimed at sharing the creative culture.
The official launch was held at Lismore’s Regional Gallery, where the exhibition Protest Songs: Artful Actions will run until September 6.
Lismore city council’s tourism and events coordinator, Mitch Lowe, said the event would be an annual celebration after the success of last year’s promotion.
Mr Lowe said the region was gaining a reputation for world class art and performance.
He said the program of Arts in August would feature world class performance, productions and works, in poetry, visual arts, live theatre, music and dance and includes arts trails, exhibitions, gallery tours and live shows.
This Saturday, an Afternoon of Artful Actions will be held at Lismore City Hall with four local writers, Melissa Lucashenko, S Sorrensen, Mandy Nolan and Jim Hearn, reading an original story with the theme ‘Dreamers’.
NORPA is developing a show called Dreamer that will be based on those stories.
There will also be a panel of local experts discussing art and activism, and students from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium will play protest songs.
Surrounding villages will also be involved, with The Channon Gallery dedicating the front of the gallery to exhibit Lismore-only artists.
Another featured event is the Art vs Science Riverside Festival on 24 August, which will include workshops, performances, exhibitions, and displays.
There will be interactive science/arts workshops, the National Science Week Schools ‘Art in the Park’ competition, tree planting on the bank of the Wilsons River, and a music stage powered by the SCU Sunflower Solar sound system.
Another featured event on August 30 will be the Back Alley Gallery street party, from 3pm, featuring street artists and DJs.
For a full program visit www.visitlismore.com.au
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
