Eumundi is well known for its creativity, and it is no surprise that it is home to a most unique and amazing event, the Australian Body Art Festival.
Being held on 20 & 21 April with a theme of “Time Travel” this iconic event returns to Eumundi for the first time in nine years after a sojourn in Cooroy and an due to Covid shutdowns.
The festival is adored by many due to the unique artforms that are showcased. Plus of course, it is a really fun, enjoyable and inclusive festival that provides creative inspiration in bucket loads.
Attending the festival is an experience with colour in abundance, community involvement and art around every corner.
The backdrop to the festival is some of the most spectacular body painting you can imagine with artists coming from across Australia to compete in the categories of brush and sponge, airbrush, special effects and face painting. The works in progress are amazing to watch throughout the day and then at the end of the day the living canvases take to the catwalk in a parade and award ceremony.
Hours can be whiled away watching human bodies transform into walking, talking works of art. Equally artistic and amazing is the wearable art competition, where funky fashion is created out of discarded materials. All of the competitions are a feast for the eyes and a credit to dozens of artists from all genres that attend and contribute their many varied visions.
This year, the Gubbi Gubbi Zone will showcase various indigenous artforms including dance, body paint, artifacts and workshops to get involved in. There are lots of other opportunities to get arty yourself with activities like rock painting and craft.
There is so much more to see with surfboard art and mural painting happening on site as well as a great line up of music on stage throughout the weekend with performers such as the Kitty Kats, Secret Love, Jaz Soul, Saije, Andrea Kirwin, David Otto, David Zuric, Alex the Frenchman, Sambazzy, The Overdrive.
There will be street performers to mystify and amuse and special guest appearances from visitors of the past and future thanks to the marvels of time travel! Who knows what might appear through a time portal – dinosaurs, inventors from the future or maybe even an extra-terrestrial visitor!
Not to mention great food and market stalls, the Matso’s bar onsite and a fundraising raffle that has amazing prizes.
What makes this event extra special is that it is free to attend which is only possible thanks to a huge volunteer effort and support from fantastic local businesses and community organisations.
The Australian Body Art Festival is hosted by Eumundi & District Historical Association with support by the Australian Government through Festivals Australia, the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program and the Sunshine Coast Council through the community grants program.
It couldn’t be held without the support of sponsors: Sponsored by Eumundi & District Historical Association, Experience Eumundi, Eumundi & District Community Association, Matso’s Sunshine Coast, Cooroy RSL, Face Paint Shop Australia, XO Art Co, Dan Purdie MP, Noosa Outback, Qld Body Art Society, Eumundi Voice, Eumundi CWA, Fairy Tale Events & Equip4Hire, Firefly Solutions, Your Local Lifestyle, Matt Blak, Derivan and Hinter-Coast Transport.
More information and the program can be found on the website www.australianbodyart.com.au
