South Australian (SA) not-for-profit arts organisation, Carclew are best known for nurturing the careers of emerging SA artists. They’ve been at it for an entire 50 years and in celebration, Carclew are hosting a mini-festival of sorts to mark the milestone.
Taking place at Carclew’s heritage-listed North Adelaide locale on Saturday 26 November, the birthday promises a day filled with live music, entertainment and workshops; mirroring the launch of Carclew way-back-when in 1972.
In terms of live music, Tilly Tjala Thomas, TWINE, Sisters Of Invention, and Lil Cue will be performing al fresco. All while the food trucks are servin’, the artist market stalls are satisfying browsin’ needs, and the kids are engrossed in fun activities during which you can pop over to the bar for a splendid sundowner.
As well as celebrating the 50-year affair, the afternoon aims to showcase the myriad of multi-arts programs that Carclew facilitates and the young creatives the organisation supports through funding and mentorship.
The activation also encourages the mini-festival-goers to support Carclew’s $50 for 50 years campaign, with the goal of raising $50,000 to ensure South Australia’s leading youth arts organisation continues to foster creativity in the state for the next 50 years.
Former Chair of Carclew and long time supporter of the not-for-profit, Jane Doyle says, “Australia would be a lot less interesting place if founders Marjorie Fitz-Gerald and Dame Ruby Litchfield hadn’t convinced then Premier Don Dunstan to kickstart their dream of a home for young creative people in 1972.
“Since then, a who’s who of talented Australians have at some time used Carclew to nurture their careers. It was a privilege to share that excitement as Chair and I’m passionate about ensuring this nursery of Australian creativity continues to thrive.
“The ‘$50 for 50’ campaign gives everyone a chance to ensure Carclew keeps launching creative stars across our national horizon and beyond,” Jane shares.
While Carclew’s Chair, Rachel Healy says, “I hope you will also reflect on the generations to come whose wellbeing and creative ambitions will be nurtured through Carclew’s programs. What hidden talent might emerge? Which future leaders might arise? It all starts here.”
Carclew’s 50-year birthday celebration is a free, all-ages event and will run from 4pm until 10pm on Saturday 26 November. Picnic rugs will be scattered around the grounds, but it wouldn’t hurt to pack one of your own, just in case!