Un[contained] Arts Festival

Over three nights, from Friday 4 June to Sunday 6 June 2021, our community was encouraged to explore pop-up artworks in and around the centre of Kogarah.

Un[contained] transitioned from day to night, stimulating the senses through bringing large scale installations together with small discoverable artworks involving performance, sound, light and colour.

The Un[contained] Arts Festival aimed to expand and challenge the common perception of what ‘art’ is, breaking it free from a traditional gallery space and letting it take over the streets. The community explored a range of artworks and indulged in delicious treats from Knafeh, Gelato Messina and Norma’s Burger Bar. Archie Rose Distillery Co. operated a beer garden, which featured sold out pop-up paint and sip sessions from Riverwood’s Paint and Picasso.

Two shipping containers were situated on Belgrave Street, Kogarah and activated by the artworks of Bliss Cavanagh and Kit Webster. This was accompanied by an interactive installation by ANL Designs and the Neon Night Garden by Carla O’Brien. The foyer of Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah was also activated by former Carss Park Artist in Residence, Emma Davidson’s artwork. Five muralists were selected to paint live during the festival, showcasing the diversity of street art. Georgia Draws a House, Happy Decay, Benjamin Knock, Karri McPherson, and Keith Stanley painted on portable 6m long x 2m high boards, which will be installed along the MacMahon Street carpark fence to continue the life of these works. Georgia Draws a House interacted with over 400 people, obtaining suggestions of local landmarks to incorporate into her artwork, which the community then coloured in on the last day of the festival.

To expand the community’s idea of ‘art’, performance artists showcased aerial artforms, freeform dance and site responsive performances. Betty Grumble, Lily May Potger and Sophia Van Gent all created interpretative dance works for the festival. Former Carss Park Artist in Residence and local artist, Keila Terencio, curated a line-up of eight aerial artists, which formed the centrepiece of the festival.

Georges River Council would like to acknowledge and thank our Principal Sponsor, Colin Daley Quinn Solicitors and our Event Sponsors, St George Private Hospital and St George Bank.

Neon Night Garden by Carla O'Brien

Portal by Bliss Cavanagh

Mural by Happy Decay

Mural by Benjamin Knock

Epiphany by Kit Webster Ecosystem by ANL Designs