After two successful years, the Conference of the Birds is returning to Boolarra for another stunning community arts event on Saturday, May 23.
Conference of the Birds, based on a 12th century Sufi tale, is a seasonal community pageant when performers, artists and audience come together to celebrate the last days of autumn, around a bonfire that heralds winter.
Artistic directors, Margie Mackay and Gilbert Douglas, have developed and presented epic-scale, accessible, site-specific collaborative works of art and ritual both in Australia and internationally.
For Conference of the Birds Douglas and Mackay have collaborated with Gunaikurnai Elders and the local community to foster new relationships and create a sense of pride in and care for Country and each other.
The event will begin at Railway Park for the Art Walk.
From 2.30pm, at the entrance to the Grandridge Rail Trail, the 2km journey will begin.
The audience will be invited to travel along the trail past six artistic installations, each representing a mysterious valley from the story.
The final valley will be staged at the Meadows.
Here, the Valley of Harmony and Unity, will be music and dance performances culminating in the spectacular Celebration of the Birds bonfire.
Food trucks and coffee vans will be located on site.
The event is expected to conclude at 7pm.
For those with access needs a shuttle bus is available.
Bookings are essential and can be made via the Humanitix website.
Register for a preferred timeslot. Buses will start running from Railway Park at 5pm.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear walking shoes, bring a torch and something to sit on, and enjoy community and Country.
