Tweed Shire City of the Arts 2003 - 2005 GALA LAUNCH

Tweed Shire Fifth City of the Arts 2003 - 2005 was launched in spectacular style on the shores of Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads on Sunday 3 August.

The phenomenal TAIKOZ exploded onto the stage with a sensational program of contemporary rhythms and the ancient sounds of the Japanese Wadaiko. It was a sensational and memorable experience, two and a half thousand people on their feet, captivated and mesmerized by the sheer energy and hypnotic sounds of these breathtaking performers. The image of these skilled musicians on stage with a backdrop of the harbour left an indelible impression.

The event was produced by Northern River Performing Arts (NORPA) in partnership with Tweed Shire Council and Twin Towns Services Club. It was a jam-packed, fun-filled, free community event featuring an exciting mix of local and imported talent.

MC'd by local media personality Maggie Anne Leybourne, the program was a smorgasbord of sound and colour. The Tweed's very own Party Animals set the stage for the day with a marvelous fusion of jazz and blues. The award winning seventy-piece Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra heralded the official ceremony. Under the Artistic Direction of Barry Singh, the NRSO have been aptly-named the jewel of the Northern Rivers. Sama Sama, a five-piece Indonesian groove band, La Gran Salsa, a sensational Latin American band and the gypsy-sounds of the Anateva Allsars provided a multicultural, carnivale style twist.

A taste of Tweed's diverse culture was also on display. The site was transformed into a colourful outdoor exhibition with many of Tweed's cultural organisations and groups coming together to showcase and exhibit the wide range of cultural assets and resources we share as a community. Food lovers were also treated to a marvelous assortment of international cuisine from award-winning Tweed restaurants and local producers.

Special guests and dignitaries included representatives of the NSW Ministry for the Arts, Regional Arts NSW, Local Government & Shires Association, Accessible Arts, Museums & Galleries Foundation and the Film and Television Office.  Cr Rob Drew, Deputy Mayor of the State’s Fourth City of the Arts, Hastings Council, officially handed over the City of the Arts to the Mayor of Tweed Shire, Cr. Warren Polglase. Many Councillors and executive officers from across region joined thousands of spectators to witness the day’s celebrations, which has been heralded as one of the best community events staged in Tweed Shire. It is a taste of things to come and the enthusiasm with which this spectacular launch was greeted heralds a new and welcome artistic direction for the people of Tweed Shire.