Wollongong’s city centre experienced something special on August 25: an explosion of art, culture and youth talent.
During Community Voice's public launch of its cultural policy, a crowd of more than 200 people swelled around the mall's amphitheatre.
As young musicians performed, graffiti artists Adam Rizvik and Josh Harris produced an amazing piece in real time that simply said “create art” on stage.
For two hours the mall — not known for its social atmosphere — was filled with beautiful music, inspired speeches, happy people and the smell of spray paint.
Musicians included Jane Aubourg, Bennie James, Jack Reilly, The Yetis, Avaine and Dlinkwnt.
Speakers addressed the need to support the local music and arts scene. They included Glenn Hayworth from Hayworth Music; Tim Day from Dicey Rileys; Lincoln Piper from LPJ Entertainment; Karen Crowe from Better On the Big Screen (BOBS); Eleise Bott from What's On in Wollongong; music producer James Lopes; and local musician Jane Sproule.
The event was organised by Adam Jordan and Rob Carr, who are Community Voice candidates in the Wollongong City Council elections.
Jordan owns Main Street Studios, just north of Wollongong, and has produced records for many local artists.
His work has a strong community focus, recording for schools, churches and other non-profit organisations and donating studio time to help young, underfinanced musicians get started.
Carr, a local musician and media studies teacher, spoke on behalf of Community Voice at the event. "If we are a city void of free space and space for creative free thinking, then there is something wrong with our local government," he said.
Carr said he hopes to see a “Gong spring” of participation in politics and community with the incoming council.
“Our campaign is a movement, not a party,” he said. “Our members help out if they can, when they can. Our movement is organic, and there is growing excitement about what could be a renaissance for community democracy in our city."
Both Jordan and Carr are also organisers of Rock the Vote Wollongong! — an initiative by members of the local music scene to celebrate the return of democracy in the city.
Rock the Vote aims to promote progressive outcomes in the Wollongong City Council elections, and will culminate in a CD compilation as well as a live rock show featuring local and touring bands on September 2 — the night before the election.
Community Voice’s Community and Culture policy says the “council has a critical role in bringing people together in a liveable city”.
The policy says Community Voice “will give priority to supporting those who don’t have a voice.
“We will work towards a city that empowers citizens to work towards a shared goal of living in a healthy, creative and vibrant city with distinctive and caring towns and villages …
“People with few resources should be able to enjoy and participate in a rich artistic and cultural life.
“Community Voice will facilitate access to community facilities and public spaces. We will look at ways of lowering costs such as insurance so people can participate more in exhibitions, performances and events.”
[Read the full policy here. Chris Williams is a candidate for Community Voice in the September 3 elections.]