Art, music and community spirit take centre stage across Lake Macquarie in June as the city prepares to launch this year’s Dobell Festival.
The festival has a packed program of exhibitions, performances and creative experiences honouring iconic local artist Sir William Dobell.
From hands-on art workshops to lakeside light displays, the festival brings together emerging talent and seasoned creatives for a month-long celebration of the arts.
A key highlight is the Lake Mac Micro Festival on 28–29 June, with 15 performances in unique venues including libraries, cafes, open-air spaces and even a cruise boat on the lake.
Two major headline concerts will anchor the micro festival: MAP mima Rocks on 28 June, showcasing alt-grunge energy at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, and Rathmines Beats n Rhythms at Rathmines Theatre the following night, bringing rhythm and soul to the western lake.
The Young Dobell exhibition returns to the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, spotlighting the next generation of visual artists, while a Meet the Makers event on 14 June offers rare insight into the creative process of local artists.
Over at MAP mima, the new exhibition Fresque Grotesque opens, pushing artistic boundaries with bold and experimental works.
Adding extra dazzle to the program is Float Your Boat, a glowing flotilla of illuminated vessels cruising the lake across two nights.
On 20 June, the flotilla travels from Marmong Point to Wangi Wangi, with a live site set up in Toronto. The following night, boats light up the eastern shore from Belmont to Warners Bay and back.
Now in its 48th year, the Dobell Festival of Art and Craft presented by Wangi Lions Club will run from 6–9 June at Wangi District Workers Club.
With something for every age and artistic interest, the Dobell Festival promises a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and culture inspired by a true Lake Macquarie legend. Check out the full program by heading to arts.lakemac.com.au.
