RAV - Regional Arts Victoria - The peak body for regional arts activity in Victoria

David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria launches 'Illuminated by Fire' in Flowerdale

Regional Arts Victoria’s major new initiative, Illuminated by Fire, was officially launched on Saturday 29 May by Professor David de Kretser AC, Governor of Victoria at the Temporary Village in Flowerdale.

With an audience comprising of The Honourable Peter Batchelor MP, Minister for the Arts, Ben Hardman MP, Member for Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfire Recovery, and Victoria's Emergency Services Commissioner, Bruce Esplin, as well as many locals and arts practitioners, the launch showcased the warmth and spirit of the Flowerdale community.

The Minister for the Arts and participating artists also took part in a fire lighting ceremony to the sounds of local steel band ‘Pans on Fire’, a band formed after the fires and composed of over 20 members from the Marysville and Triangle community.

"Illuminated by Fire is an inspired collaboration between communities and artists creating culturally and socially vibrant futures following the bushfires," said Frank Panucci, Director of Community Partnerships at the Australia Council for the Arts.

Illuminated by Fire is a two year program will see artists working in residence with 11 communities across the State to create a local presentation around the themes of fire and resilience.