Literary Festival 2012 in Footscray
Celebrate the National Year of Reading with the inaugural Literary Festival running from 31 August – 9 September. Celebrity authors, colourful dress up soirees, local literary gems, manga workshops and the unveiling of an iconic piece of sculptural artwork are just a selection of events on the festival’s bill with many events taking place right here in Footscray.
The ten day festival will celebrate literature and reading in a series of free events featuring a stellar line up of respected local writers and cultural personalities.
The program includes acclaimed local author Kerry Greenwood discussing her hugely successful Phyrne Fisher murder mystery novels and ABC TV series at the Gala Festival Launch on Friday 31 August and the iconic Michael Leunig will share tales of his childhood in Footscray on Friday 7 September.
The Festival concludes at Footscray Community Arts Centre with the unveiling of the spectacular Reading Chair, sculpted by local artist Jos Van Hulsen. The family friendly event includes a free BBQ, story telling, celebrity reading, face painting, balloon artist and enchanting special guest David Greagg, the wizard of Footscray.
All events are free of charge. Bookings essential.
Download the full program
Book tickets for any of these events online.
The Events
GORGEOUS, CHARMING AND TERRIBLY FASHIONABLE: GALA FESTIVAL LAUNCH WITH LOCAL AUTHOR KERRY GREENWOOD
When: Friday 31 August 7.00pm
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Join us for the gala opening of the festival program in spectacular 1920s style with live music and period performances. Local author Kerry Greenwood will talk about the importance of ideas, writing fiction and the success of her Phryne Fisher murder mystery series. Refreshments provided.
WRITING FROM THE HEART WITH DR JOHN LACK
When: Saturday 1 September 2.00pm
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Historian and author, Dr John Lack will take you on a historical who’s who tour of local literary identities. Be prepared for lots of surprises and some fascinating stories. Refreshments provided.
FOOLING WITH WORDS: POETS TALKING POETRY
When: Sunday 2 September 2.30pm
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Local poets Kristin Henry and Paul Mitchell talk about all things poetry, reciting original works and enticing some poetic attempts from the audience. A Rotunda in the West event. Refreshments provided.
READING IN AN ELECTRONIC WORLD: EBOOKS AND DIGITAL AUDIO BOOKS WORKSHOP
When: Monday 3 September 11.30am, 2.00pm and 6.30pm
Where: Footscray Library Conference Room
Explore the fascinating world of eBooks at one of these free information workshops. Learn to search, borrow and download from the library’s range of eBooks and digital audio books. Try out a variety of eReaders and MP3 Players to see what product suits your needs best. Refreshments provided.
THE WILD, WILD WEST: THE CITY OF MARIBYRNONG AS A LITERARY AND HISTORICAL LANDSCAPE WITH ALICE PUNG
When: Tuesday 4 September 7.00pm
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Alice Pung, author of the critically acclaimed Unpolished Gem will talk about growing up in the Western suburbs of Melbourne and the influence it has had on her writing. Refreshments provided.
FOOD FOR LIFE: HOW YOUR EATING HABITS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
When: Wednesday 5 September 7.00pm
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Cassie Duncan, author and editor of The Sustainable Table Cookbook will talk about the link between our food system and the environment, and offer practical solutions one meal at a time! Refreshments provided.
YOU’RE INNOCENT WHEN YOU DREAM: IMAGINATION, STORY AND ART IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
When: Thursday 6 September 11.00am
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Bring along your favourite children’s book for a discussion about the wonder of children’s literature with local children’s author and illustrator, Jessica Dean. Learn how Jessica created her children’s book Gertrude and how you can take your children’s book idea from dream into reality. Refreshments provided.
BOOKALICIOUS – A LITERARY FANCY DRESS PARTY
When: Thursday 6 September 7.00pm
Where: Post Industrial Design Studio
Dress up as your favourite literary character and share your love of reading with others. Special guest writers and performers, and spot prizes for spontaneous readings and best outfits. A Post Industrial Design event. Refreshments provided.
CURLY PYJAMAS AND OTHER SUCH STUFF: AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL LEUNIG
when: Friday 7 September 7.00pm
Where: Footscray Library Courtyard
Michael Leunig will reflect upon his early life in Maribyrnong and Footscray and discuss its influence upon his philosophy and creativity. Michael’s talk will be accompanied by a special audio visual presentation in classic Leunig style. Refreshments provided.
THE SUN BOOKSHOP SATURDAY SOIREE
When: Saturday 8 September 6.00pm
Where: The Bluestone Church Arts Space
Join us for a snack and a tipple with debut novelists Zane Lovett and Nicki Reed who will talk about writing your first novel. A Sun Bookshop event. Refreshments provided.
LISTENING LIKE THE ORANGE TREE: JOHN SHAW NEILSON, BOOK LAUNCH BY ACCLAIMED POET ROBERT GRAY
When: Sunday 9 September 2.00 – 5.00pm
Where: The Bluestone Church Arts Space
A celebration of John Shaw Neilson with displays, talks, poetry readings and launch of Collected Verse of John Shaw Neilson edited by Margaret Roberts. A John Shaw Neilson Society event. Refreshments provided.
MYTHS WOVEN BY US: LAUNCH OF THE FANTASTICAL READING CHAIR
When: Sunday 9 September 3.00pm
Where: Footscray Community Arts Centre
Join us for an enchanting event for the Maribyrnong Library Service’s new Reading Chair sculpted by local industrial artist Jos Van Hulsen. A fun day for family and friends with free BBQ, storytelling, celebrity reading, face painting, balloon artist and special guest David Greagg, the Wizard of Footscray.
WATERMELON ON MY PLATE: A CHILDREN’S POETRY WORKSHOP WITH PADDY DEWAN
Saturday 8 September 11.00am
Footscray Library Courtyard
An exploration of rhythm and rhyme, song and dance. Children will be taken through patterns, styles and forms, while being shown the power and fun of words in an entertaining and lighthearted environment. Ages 6 – 12.