Local arts scene thriving

Published on 03 September 2025

Hobsons Bay really is a creative city. I am always amazed by the range of opportunities there are for people to express their creative side and enjoy arts and culture right here in our community.

And that will prove true as there is plenty happening over the next few months across the city.

It’s great to see Laverton featured, with a new Woods Street Arts Space program announced, running until the end of the year.

The new program will feature a diverse line-up of creative workshops, activities and exhibitions for different ages, skill levels and interests.

Whether it is cultural dance classes, with the return of Indian Classical Dance and Samoan Dance for Boys, a new series of drawing workshops presented by Hobsons Bay Arts Society or songwriting workshops as part of Sound Step Studios, there is so much happening.

Recently we also saw the Melbourne Fringe Festival program announced, with plenty of local involvement.

The fringe festival is Victoria’s longest running multi-arts festival, taking place across Melbourne from 30 September to 19 October.

Hobsons Bay plays a prominent part, with local sites and artists involved to help make the festival what it is.

On top of its own program Woods Street Arts Space will be involved by hosting multimedia workshops to create window art and displaying artist Peter Spring’s Whatever Knitting Takes Me unique artwork.

The Substation in Newport will play host to dance and a sound installation performance, Williamstown’s Commonwealth Reserve will feature a temporary public art installation and there is even an arts focus for Williamstown Beach. There is so much to do and see, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/fringe for more information.

And finally, just a special mention to the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona, which celebrated its 20-year anniversary just last week.

What a special place that has become so important to our city over the past two decades.

Congratulations to all board members, staff and volunteers who have played a part to make the centre what it is today.

Cr Columns are published in the Star Weekly newspaper every fortnight.