A Word from the Minister for Creative Industries
Much like the mighty Goulburn River, creativity flows through Shepparton. The lively local arts scene ripples across the region and brings together locals and visitors of all ages.
For nearly three decades, Shepparton Festival has been a great drawcard – presenting an exciting array of creative events, platforming local and visiting artists and showcasing unique and stunning locations across the region.
This year’s festival is set to be the biggest yet, with the work of 290 artists featuring in 45 events. Many of the events are free or low-cost, giving the whole community the chance to take part.
From a family-friendly dance party to First Peoples storytelling, projections, theatre and dance performances and the ever-popular Converge on the Goulburn multicultural festival, prepare for an action packed 16 days.
The Victorian Government is a proud and longstanding supporter of Shepparton Festival. Not only does the festival provide valuable work and development opportunities to local artists and groups, it also boosts the region’s economy and creates a buzz that attracts visitors while celebrating local community and creativity.
Congratulations to the Shepparton Festival team for pulling together this impressive program, and thank you to all participating creatives and groups for demonstrating once again that creativity thrives right across our creative state.
The Hon. Colin Brooks MP
Minister for Creative Industries
A Word from Greater Shepparton City Council’s Mayor
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to be sponsoring the Shepparton Festival once again in 2024.
The Festival is one of the major highlights in our region’s event calendar and is a significant drawcard for both residents and visitors to Greater Shepparton.
Our region is home to an impressive list of artists who have contributed to this year’s program in their own way. The festivities will include live music, workshops, visual arts, dance, comedy and theatre.
This year, for the first time, we will see artists explore the Loch Garry wetlands where they will connect with the community through researching the river. This year’s program also features a Community Choir and the Welsh Men’s Choir, who are bound to put on a fantastic show for all.
There will also be a new roving Festival Hub where residents can book tickets and interact with the Shepparton Festival team.
This year’s Festival is made possible by the work of many artists, organisations, venues and businesses and I thank these locals for coming together to showcase our region’s creative space.
For two weeks, we will spill into familiar and unfamiliar spaces across the region as the legacy of one of Victoria’s longest running arts festivals continues. The diverse program allows us to watch, listen, connect with and honour each other.
Our region is passionate about giving artists a platform, and helping pave the way for the Festival to be treasured locally and beyond. Council looks forward to continuing to support the Shepparton Festival into the future.
We hope you all enjoy this year’s impressive calendar of events.
Greater Shepparton City Council, Mayor, Cr Shane Sali
A Word from GOTAFE CEO
GOTAFE is pleased to partner with the Shepparton Festival to showcase local and regional talent to inspire our community.
Art and design are prominent courses at GOTAFE. Our students are creative, talented individuals, who are encouraged to hone their skills and express themselves in a supportive environment. Our passionate trainers guide our students along their creative journey. Through industry connections, hands-on experience, and access to talented trainers with years of experience, we help them reach their full potential.
The Shepparton Festival is an ideal program to inspire our students and community members in the creative industries and across our communities to excel in their studies and achieve their goals. We are delighted to be hosting some events at our Fryers Street campus and to showcase our contemporary facilities.
We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people within the diverse and vibrant communities we serve and hope you enjoy the creative program on our campus. We are looking forward to working with Shepparton Festival to bring to life an experience for all.
GOTAFE is proud to support this event, which we hope inspires individuals to unlock their creative side and support the vital role of the arts in our community.
GOTAFE CEO, Kristie O’Brien
