NEWS: Celebrating Local Arts At The Charts Festival
by Stephanie Williams

In Tassie’s far northwest every year, for one vibrant month, Circular Head bursts with creativity, history and community spirit. The CHArts Festival has grown from humble beginnings into the northwest coast’s only month-long celebration of culture, heritage and the arts. From 4 September and featuring more than 40 events, the festival transforms towns and communities across the region into creative hubs. One of the festival’s highlights is the CHArtchibald competition – a local twist on Australia’s famous Archibald Portrait Prize. The exhibition challenges artists of all ages and abilities to create a portrait of a current or former Circular Head resident, celebrating the people who have shaped the region. The result is more than an art exhibition. It’s a colourful collection of familiar faces, local legends and personal stories capturing the close-knit community. Visitors can expect everything from realistic paintings to imaginative mixed-media works, each offering a unique perspective on the people who call Circular Head home. What makes the CHArts Festival truly special is its grassroots spirit. For visitors, the festival is a great reason to explore. Between events, there’s time to experience Stanley’s historic charm, the dramatic coastline of Marrawah and the boutique shops of Smithton. For more information follow the festival at www.facebook.com/CHArts.CircularHead.

