BEAMS Arts Festival 2012

Overview

If you've ever taken a shortcut through the back streets of Chippendale, you may have been struck by the sheer number of galleries and creative businesses which abound in this unassuming little corner of Sydney. Wedged between Central Station, Redfern and Broadway, with a post-industrial landscape of redeveloped factories and warehouses, laneways and neat little workers' cottages, the suburb has been flourishing of late. With its less salubrious past now thankfully left behind, it has become a thriving hub of creativity, innovation and sustainability, and the area, which is steeped in history, is experiencing something of a resurgence.

On the evening of Saturday, September 22, this little vibrant quarter will be shining bright when the inaugural BEAMS Arts Festival takes place. Hosted by Chippendale Creative Precinct, over 250 locally based creative types will be filling Balfour Street and surrounds with art, media and light installations, performance and music.

Take a jaunt through the streets and see what inspiring delights you stumble upon. Then stop for a beverage and share your experiences with new friends at the communal dining table, the fare being provided by local eateries. Who knows, you might even get to rub shoulders with a few of the area's more famous inhabitants, such as the gardening god himself, Costa Georgiadis. Georgiadis is also a champion of the Chippendale plan, a project to encourage sustainability and community spirit. Or you could bump into the makers of The Gruen Transfer, whose production company, Zapruder's Other Films, is based here.

The programme also boasts some unusual musical delights. For instance, two of the bands featured, Thorough Bass and Auberne, bring a unique modern twist to baroque music and instruments. In addition to the exhibits and performances, there will also be workshops and talks for those looking for something more hands on. Amongst the activities on offer, kids can help create a mural imagining Chippendale's future or learn how to take care of plants with Georgiadis. For adults, there will be artist talks at many of the local galleries.

The BEAMS Arts Festival is a great chance to celebrate, experience and become part of this diverse and burgeoning community.

Image: Colour Splash Study (2009) by Steph Quirk.