The Festival had its beginnings in 2005. Graham Hughes was our first organiser, gathering a group of people interested in 4 categories of celebrations:
1) Warrnambool and District :The festival was designed as a community celebration
2) Easter: The theme was to celebrate the traditional Christian Easter
3) Arts: The festival was to be a celebration of the Arts. The wide variety of arts as known and participated in within our community would be used as the medium of the festival
4) celebration: It was planned to be a joyful celebration of community events embodying the Easter theme and presented through it as many of the arts as possible.
In 2005 a prize of $1,000 was offered for best painting, and was won by John Elphick. For his “Last Supper”There was also a film competition, a children’s art competition, and a photography competition
We had a lovely support from local schools , societies and churches. The festival concluded with an art auction featuring a huge blue limited edition print by Pro Hart raising $800
In various forms the festival continued on mainly in the area of the visual arts, but re-emerging in 2019 with a full 20 plus festival event. This festival was spearheaded by ex Warrnambool Mayor John Lindsay. The programme was a wonderful success and encouraged another festival in 2020.Sadly after a full year of preparation the 2020 festival was put aside due to The covid Virus shutdowns. The programme was incredibly varied and promised a great viewership. A Bus programme had been organised to enable all community members the opportunity to attend and interest had been shown from Portland and Cobden and outlying towns. So whats next?
we pick up the baton and plan for an amazing fully fledged Festival! in 2021 and beyond
I am John Stephen and I am the new director of the Warrnambool & District Easter Arts Festival. I have lived in Warrnambool all my life and are very excited about next years festival after the disappointment of this years cancellations. I am married to Pamela and we have 3 children 1 grandchild and a second grandchild due in a few weeks which is very exciting. I have over the years worked at Fletcher Jones for 35 years, Kings College for 18 years as their cleaner with my wife Pamela and the past 15 years at the Warrnambool city council. For those who know me I have always had a passion for inter church events and cooperation and have always when asked played an active role in these events. I firmly believe that something very wonderful and powerful occurs when the churches come together united to present the gospel. I currently attend Kardinia church in Warrnambool but have had associations with the Salvation Army, Baptist and Gateway church. We are endeavouring to present a well presented and diverse festival next year and myself and the committee had been actively working hard to get this all in place for the sharing of the Easter message to our local communities. Hope you will participate and enjoy next years festival.
Blessings
John Stephen
Glenda is married to Bill. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.Glenda loves The Lord and would love to see everybody come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She and Bill attend New Life Christian Church in Bromfield Street, Warrnambool.
Art work by Alison Marr