Conversations about the creative arts, tech, and entrepreneurship rippled well beyond Collie’s Central Park last Saturday 10 November as part of Operation Next Gen’s Arts Tech Fest to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Workshops, think tanks and live performances attracted a modest but extremely curious crowd, with some people travelling from surrounding towns and as far away as Margaret River.
The biggest surprise to organisers, however, was the size of the online audience with more than 6,500 views following the first 24 hours of live streaming via social media.
Free workshops and think tanks on music, film and art were also conducted throughout the day.
At the Bendigo Bank Sound Shell, 13 year old Shae Digney and 14 year old Serra McCallum bravely participated in the Open Mic segment.
Their tutor, Kate Hindle, was also on hand to participate in the Music Entrepreneurship Think Tank and later took the stage with a backing band from Perth, demonstrating that home grown talent can rock it with the best.
Perfect Pitch Publishing director, Clive Hodson, explained why he has embedded his business in Western Australia and the importance of supporting and promoting new music.
Operation Next Gen ambassador Wil Massara didn’t let his youth stand in the way of hosting the Film Entrepreneurship Think Tank.
Responding to Wil’s strategic questions, the panel comprising of Richard Todd, Roly Skender and Dean Lomax, debated what latest trends would survive the test of time and what the future may hold for budding film makers.
With Central Park the main setting for the Art Tech Fest activities, the Collie Senior High School ANZAC Tour fundraisers and Leo (Lion’s) Club assisted local traders to feed patrons.
Visitors were also delighted to partake in some craft beers, ciders and wine courtesy of the Thorny Devils Pop Up Bar and also the food from Wagon 357.
