Curious Art Festival ignites people’s imagination at Empire Theatre grounds

AFTER being postponed in March this year due to COVID-19, the wild and wacky world of the Curious Arts Festival took over the grounds of the Empire Theatre on Friday and Saturday

Sisters Emily (left) and Claire Gooderham write on one of the exhibits in the Garden of Curiosity during the Curious Arts Festival at Empire Theatres, Friday, October 16, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

AFTER being postponed in March this year due to COVID-19, the wild and wacky world of the Curious Arts Festival took over the grounds of the Empire Theatre on Friday and Saturday.

Co-directed by Kirsten Sealey and Ruth Atkinson, the festival aims to challenge the public and get them to “experience something a little bit different”.

Nick Cilento entertains as Teeza from Wilde Applause at the Curious Arts Festival at Empire Theatres, Friday, October 16, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It’s quite casual and a little bit different, and it might push some boundaries that people haven’t experienced before,” Mrs Sealey said.

“We like to bring performing arts to Toowoomba that wouldn’t normally come here.”

Another of the festival’s key visions was to link professional artists with emerging and local artists in Toowoomba to create works specifically for the festival.

Mrs Sealey said, while it wasn’t a “normal year”, festival organisers and participants were “really happy” with the response from the public, and the atmosphere.

“We had obvious challenges around COVID-19 distancing and regulations and so on but we managed with the help of the Empire Theatre to ensure it was a safe festival, and there was plenty of space.”

“I think Toowoomba is desperate to get back out there and start enjoying events again.”

Check out the incredible photos from the event here.