A STUDY tour to New Zealand and some debate has meant Leeton’s Art Deco Festival is now set to make a grand return in 2019.
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The festival was first held in 2011 and then again in 2013, but was cancelled in 2015.
Leeton Shire Council first slated its return in January, with events and performing arts co-ordinator Alison Egan then set on a study tour to Napier in New Zealand to explore more potential for the town's event here.
Mrs Egan reported back to council with her findings recently and councillors voted to bring the festival back in all of its glory.
There were some questions raised about costings of the festival and how they would be covered, as well as how to ensure the event would be a success going forward.
Mrs Egan explained to council the key would be education and having the community get behind the festival 100 per cent.
“The Napier event has been running for a very long time, but it’s all about spreading the word and getting the community to really take ownership of our festival,” she said.
“Of course one day we would love to be a big event like in Napier, but it will take time, community awareness and education.
“The history of art deco and its heritage in Napier is part of the primary school curriculum there, so it’s about educating the whole community from a young age in order for the festival to grow over the years.
“It’s something we want to be proud of … we need to take pride in our art deco heritage.
“It’s a great niche market we can tap into.”
The event will be held on the off-year from the Leeton SunRice Festival.
Mrs Egan said the many events in Napier could be similarly held in Leeton.
These could include a prohibition party, a roving “depression” dinner, picnics, parades and much more.
A committee has been established and the community is now being called on to express their interest in being involved in the organisation of the 2019 event.
All councillors have put their hand up to be part of the committee in one way or another.
“We want this to be something Leeton is known for,” Mrs Egan said.
“It has so much potential, so we should all be really excited about it.”
For more information on how to be involved contact Mrs Egan on 6953 0951.
It’s something we want to be proud of … we need to take pride in our art deco heritage.
- Leeton Shire Council's Alison Egan