Culture

Entries are now open for The Blue Fringe Arts and Literature Festival which celebrates the creativity of people with lived experience of mental illness. Born and bred in the Blue Mountains, the Festival is back in October to coincide with mental health month.

Entry is available to all people high school age and above. Literature entries close on Friday 14^th September 2018. Arts entries close on Thursday 18^th October 2018. Entry forms and further information can be accessed through Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre www.kncinc.org 4782 117, Springwood NeighbourhoodCentre www.sncc.org.au 4751 3033 or check out Blue Fringe Arts Facebook Page.

Through its life Blue Fringe has showcased the talents of thousands of poets, artists and story tellers.For many it is the first time they have shared their work publically and for some the experience is life changing.

“The Blue Fringe Arts Prize totally changed the way I thought about myself. It gave me my self-confidence back. Two years later, I’m getting ready for a residency at Arthur Boyd’s property Bunadanon. I’ve come so far and I can definitely pinpoint it back to taking part in Blue Fringe” - Livonne Larkins, Blue Fringe Visual Arts winner, 2016.

Pic: Livonne Larkins - Wash Away the Day, Winner 2016.

Prizes are awarded in Arts, Sculpture, Photography, Textiles, Short Story and Poetry.A youth category is open to people of high school age. The Arts Festival will open at Wentworth Falls TAFE on Wednesday the 24^th October 2018 and exhibit through to the Arts and Literature Awards Ceremony on Saturday 27^th October.

Be sure to get your entries in and lock in the date to visit the exhibition.

Pic (below): Instalments from last year were selling like hotcakes at the festival!