Twelve months of hard work “behind the scenes” will come to the fore when New Annual returns to Newcastle’s events calendar in 2022.
City of Newcastle (CN) unveiled a vibrant program of art, culture and creativity at the much-loved Civic Theatre on Monday, highlighted by the blockbuster Van Gogh Alive exhibition, which opens at Foreshore Park from 22 September.
Then, the popular festival rolls into action as a cavalcade of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and Indigenous workshops adorn the CBD until 2 October.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes admitted New Annual’s 2022 schedule was eclectic and ambitious.
“I believe this event is a drawcard for the city,” she said.
“So, we’re thrilled to, once again, deliver this amazing arts and cultural extravaganza in September.
“It will allow locals and visitors alike to discover a new side of Newcastle as they witness the spirit and energy of our city and its creative community.
“I also love how this festival gives Novocastrian creatives a blank canvas to express themselves in whatever way they wish.
“New Annual can only go from strength-to-strength.”
The 2022 line-up features Hunter and nationally renowned artists delivering a mix of free, ticketed and family-friendly events.
The breadth of the program is emphasised by its 14 headline acts including Colossus, a contemporary dance performance created by internationally recognised Australian choreographer Stephanie Lake; This Land, a musical showcase of award-winning and acclaimed First Nations performers; and Radial, a fusion of film-making and improvised community performance presented by Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation.
CN recently announced the New Annual festival was bringing the immersive, multi-sensory experience of Van Gogh Alive to Newcastle’s premier major events space, Foreshore Park.
It will be presented in association with Andrew Kay Management in a specially-designed 2,300-square-metre gallery known as The Grand Pavilion.
Other areas of the city will also be transformed with installations as part of New Annual such as a purpose-built stage in Civic Park and the architecturally-designed Pavilion of Sand in Wheeler Place.
Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle was proud of the success of the inaugural festival in February 2021.
“The concept was certainly was embraced by the Newcastle community,” she stated.
“It attracted more than 30,000 people, who supported in excess of 500 artists and 250 staff, crew and volunteers.
“So, our flagship cultural event provided an important economic boost across the arts, hospitality and tourism sectors, while also celebrating and showcasing our creative city.
“As well, there was a strong increase in occupancy rates and revenue among local accommodation providers.
“And, I don’t see any reason for that to change this time around.”
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