By Hollie Harris
The Australian Body Art Festival has been embraced by its new Noosa Hinterland home in Cooroy, with event organisers overwhelmed by the generosity of people keen to see this unique event get back on its feet.
Cooroy Chamber of Commerce President, Danielle Taylor said the support had been jaw-dropping.
“It was a bit of a risk for the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce to take on this event to keep it alive because we were basically starting from scratch and there was a huge amount of work to do. But the support for the festival has been overwhelming, proving it was the right decision to make. It’s quite possible this will be the best event ever,” Danielle said.
Support has come in from individuals who have donated money, as well as a host of support from local businesses and community groups.
“We’ve got community groups like Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroora Woodworkers, Pomona Pixies, AFABA Inc and Rotary Club of Cooroy all helping out with the festival.
“Hinternoosa Real Estate are sponsoring volunteer shirts and we’ve also had cash sponsorships come in from Tourism Noosa, Gelignite Jacks, CCTV Specialists and The Blacksmiths.
“The in-kind sponsorships are overwhelming also with support from Equip4Hire, Cooroy App, Firefly Solutions, Hire a Loo, Noosa Today, Mix FM, QMP and Bunnings Noosaville and prizes from Bold as Love Jewellery, Always Wicked Art, Derivan, 1300Facepaint, Studio Republic and Funtopia,” she said.
“The crowdfunding campaign set up for the event has already reached 80 per cent but if anyone has a few dollars to spare, this is a pretty good event to donate to.
We are holding the event regardless of whether we reach the funding target but every extra dollar we raise will make the festival an even more spectacular experience for everyone.
“We’ve got artists coming from as far away as Tasmania and South Korea. It is such a good response that registrations are closing at the end of February because we have nearly run out of space to fit them all,” Danielle said.
One thing is for sure, put 8 and 9 April into your diary and plan to be in Cooroy because this is one event that should be a must-see on your calendar.
More information about the festival and the crowdfunding campaign can be found online at www.australianbodyart.com.au.
