Community runs Open Marrickville

Marrickville residents have taken the reigns in organising a ten-day festival, celebrating diversity in their community. After applying for grants from council, local community groups and schools have orchestrated a program of storytelling, art, theatre, music and food. Marrickville Mayor, Jo Haylen, says: “All the activities and events are organised by local groups, schools, and organisations with support from council. It’s exciting to see so many of our community groups embracing Open Marrickville and making it their own.”

Open Marrickville, now in its third year, coincides with National Sister Cities Day, and will span for just over a week at a range of locations across the Marrickville area.

Marrickville, often referred to as the centre for Sydney’s independent arts scene, is also taking the opportunity to promote its diverse demographic. It’s known for having a large percentage of second-generation migrants, who, despite the rapid gentrification experienced, have chosen to stay in the area.

“Marrickville is home to people from 35 different overseas birthplaces, speaking 32 different languages. Open Marrickville takes advantage of this fabulous diversity – giving our communities an outlet to celebrate their culture and invite others to share in the experience,” Mayor Haylen says.

With most events being free, festivalgoers can explore over 21 art exhibitions, public lectures and cultural events.

Among the events on display are a mini film festival of bilingual stories, a Chinese multicultural festival and interactive workshops based on Greek mythology.

Greek Myths is the idea of Marrickville resident Kiriaki Koubaroulis, who found inspiration from her nine-year-old daughter: “After Marrickville council put a grant program out, we applied for one with this idea of Greek myths and they really loved it,” she says.

Elisabeth, Mrs Koubaroulis’ daughter, says:  “I love Greek myths, I thought that it would be a good experience for children to learn about them, even if they already know about the myths, it will be wonderful to see them being told.”

Mrs Koubaroulis continues: “I don’t know if there are any other councils doing this, Marrickville council have put the money in but they don’t produce it, they oversee it and make sure that the things going on are in line with the values of council.”

Mrs Koubaroulis, who is currently undertaking an Arts Management degree at UTS, is director of a local group called Arts Diaspora, who promote and co-ordinate art from diverse and cultural backgrounds.

She says: “We have a peaceable and all-inclusive view of multicultural Australia and aim to foster understanding, appreciation and celebration of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity – something we think is achievable through the artistic experience.”

The name Diaspora, which means the scattering of seeds, was chosen to reflect the seeds which waves of immigrants grow, enriching artistic expression.

“Arts Diaspora seeks to be active in the realm of the arts by providing opportunities for artists from diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds to share their work; and for audiences to be engaged, moved, inspired and educated, through promotion, production, co-ordination and collaboration of varying projects including concerts and educational workshops,” Mrs Koubaroulis says.

There will be an array of activities available to all ages on the day with Greek Myths, says Mrs Koubaroulis, “The first event as part of Greek Myths is a crafts workshop, the kids will be able to make a choice of three different things to make; an Athena Goddess helmet, a Minotaur mask or a King Midas crown.

“We also have a storytelling show, which will tell the three myths through theatrical performance and classical instruments,” she says.

The day will see a workshop designed for children between the ages of 5-12, with drama exercises inspired by Greek mythology.

As well as Greek Myths, the rest of the festival will feature a celebration of Indonesian music and dance, entitled; Asyik Goes To Schools.

No turning back will explore how Marrickville has given shelter to those seeking refuge, through a 24-hour exhibition.

Horizon theatre will bring classic theatre tale, Punch and Judy to audiences. There will also be a multicultural knockout football tournament, a food festival and tai chi lessons available over the ten days.

Mrs Koubaroulis believes the celebration of diversity in this form should be something the broader Sydney scene also embraces: “It’s important to celebrate multiculturalism everywhere, I think that it’s important for diversity to be recognised and reflected in performance and activities of this nature,” she says.

“The whole of Sydney has a really diverse population in terms of ethnicity and sometimes that’s really reflected in the things that are on offer. It’s a fantastic initiative by council having this particular festival celebrating diverse cultures within the region.” (GF)

Open Marrickville Festival, Jun 21-29, various locations in the Marrickville area, Marrickville.nsw.gov.au