Catapult launches unprecedented arts weekend in Lake Mac

Published on 17 November 2021

Spectacular local dance company Catapult is set to launch an unprecedented weekend of events in Lake Macquarie set to reinvigorate the city’s arts and culture scene.

From Thursday evening, nine Catapult dancers will christen the new Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima in Speers Point Park, with four nightly performances of Drift, a 45-minute show with moves choreographed to echo the water, wind, air and powerful coastline of Lake Macquarie.

Catapult Creative Director Cadi McCarthy said it was an “incredible honour” to be the first performance at the new venue.

“Part of Catapult’s mission as a company is to make professional contemporary dance accessible to all audiences– to take the dance to them – and we couldn't think of a greater way to connect with our community,” she said.

The MAP mima performances kick off a diverse range of activities taking place across Lake Mac over the weekend.

Also on Thursday evening, Bluesfest star William Crichton and nationally acclaimed singer songwriter Melody Pool will take to the stage at Warners Bay Theatre for the first in a series of Live Music Lake Mac performances planned in coming months.

Friday marks the launch of the History Illuminated festival, featuring more than 30 talks, presentations, tours and cruises covering local and national history.

Meanwhile, dozens of local artists will open their doors on Saturday and Sunday as part of Lake Mac Open Studios, which provides a chance for the community to come face to face with some of the city’s most creative talents.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the variety and geographic spread of activities on offer would provide a welcome boost to the arts community.

“It feels like a long time since we’ve been able to welcome people to arts and cultural events in Lake Mac,” Cr Fraser said.

“There is such an appetite in our community for quality events showcasing our creative industries, and so we’re making up for lost time with everything on offer over the next seven days.”