Mandurah festival stretches art and creativity to new heights
![The Stretch Festival kicked off with the breathtaking Alchemy: Lights on the Bay, directed by Roly Skender.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-106866/573bfc71bdabc_b88146441z.1_20160518131547_000_grai7ubl.1_1-1bjnv3h.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Mandurah’s Stretch Arts Festival officially wrapped up last Sunday after creativity and artistic flair was put into the spotlight for the 15th annual event.
Over 24,000 people made their way to the heart of Mandurah during the main festival weekend on May 7 and 8.
City of Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone said it was an outstanding display of new and exciting arts experiences the community could be proud of.
“This year’s program featured something for everyone to immerse themselves in, from art workshops and awe-inspiring performances to art markets and exhibitions,” she said.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing the 2016 Stretch Arts Festival to life, as well as everyone who came along to the festival, for making it a truly wonderful experience.”
The festival kicked off on May 6 with Alchemy: Lights on the Bay, performance at Administration Bay with director Roly Skender producing an evening of music and dance featuring a mesmerising light display.
The festival square buzzed with creative interactions including numerous workshops, exhibitions, art markets, live music, buskers, and dancing.
A collective of local artists exhibited their unique works in the Made By Us outdoor design gallery and more than 2000 little grey pots were made as part of The Pinch Pot Project, forming an installation along one side of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
The festival also stretched to the Mandurah Ocean Marina where the Drift Installation Art Award and Environment Event took place with inspiring works by WA artists.
A favourite for children was The Big Draw, with free activities including painting and creating a magic carpet, building 3D forests and cupcake decorating.
The 2016 Common Threads Wearable Art Showcase played out to a sell-out crowd of over 800 people at MPAC on May 7, showcasing extravagant works of art on the body with Italian artist Lisbeth Wahl announced as artist of the year for Set Your Light Free.
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