FOR over a quarter of a century the Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI) has been a focal point for the promotion of the arts in Gloucester, and those involved have big plans for the future, although under a new name.
At a well-attended event at the Gloucester Gallery on the afternoon of 29 March, it was announced by President Graeme Healy that henceforth the organisation would be known as “Arts Gloucester”.
The GACCI Committee indicated that it had decided to recommend that the name be changed to one that is modern, better descriptive of who they are, and was more appealing to the broader community.
Founding member Julie Lyford spoke about the how and why GACCI began, and the event featured performances by the Gloucester primary school drama group, and a cello and flute performance by Sarah Soupidis and Katyana Harvey.
The talented John Galagher and Mo Hjorth also entertained the audience.
Graeme Healy spoke about the organisation’s future plans: more productions, training of actors and directors, building young people’s involvement in Arts Gloucester, building the music offerings and continuing to bring first class exhibitions to the Gloucester Gallery.
“In organising this event to launch our new name we felt it important to include items to display some of our activities,” Graeme told NOTA.
“This was extremely well received by those attending and resulted in an enjoyable and successful afternoon.”
Mayor Claire Pontin enjoyed the afternoon and even bought a painting, as did another councillor, Phillip Beazley.
“I was delighted to be part of this event and see such talent on display, particularly from the young people,” said Mayor Pontin.
“Arts Gloucester does an amazing job of promoting the arts and cultural activities in Gloucester.”
Some of the upcoming Arts Gloucester events are:
– “Twice The Drama” on 30 April and 1 May.
– “Quills and Ink”, being the new writing competition launched in February.
– Live streaming of the Sydney Writers’ Festival 21 – 24 May.
Fittingly, with its new name, there is a newly revamped website, being www.artsgloucester.org.
By John WATTS
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