Artfiles Launches

NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Bob Debus officially launched the 2006 edition of Artfiles: The Arts Directory for Western Sydney launched to an enthusiastic audience at Auburn Town Hall on Thursday 23 February.

Attended by a diverse crowd of artists, Councillors, representatives from the community and the general public, the event featured performances, film screenings and exhibitions. The launch was small but delicious taste of the broad, eclectic mix of artists, organisations and groups listed in Artfiles 2006.

Performances highlighted the creativity, innovation and diversity of artists in Western Sydney, including hiphop artists Nomise and Brotha Black, stars of Urban Theatre Projects recent feted Festival of Sydney production Back Home. Graduates of the successful ICE Island Beatz program also performed. A selection of short films was also screened, including Halil Mehmet’s short about the cultural diversity of Auburn.

The NSW Minister for the Arts Bob Debus praised Artfiles, saying: “The Artfiles reference book and website are widely recognised as important cultural resource tools in Western Sydney. Now in its sixth year, Artfiles continues to connect artists and support the growth of the arts throughout the region. The NSW government is proud to continue its support of this valuable project.”

Artfiles 2006 is now available across Western Sydney from libraries, local councils, art galleries, community centres and visitor information centres.

The Artfiles website, www.artfiles.com.au is updated regularly and provides a fast and easy way to find exciting, dynamic and diverse artists and arts activity in Western Sydney.

For more information about Artfiles, contact ICE on (02) 9897 5744 or email artfiles@ice.org.au.

[Article posted 23 February 2006]