This is a story of finding hope in a drought ravaged community, through the creative transformation of farm yard junk.
The Spirit Of The Land Festival in Lockhart (a tiny Australian outback town) originated during the worst drought in the Shire's one hundred and ten year history. It started with one family that was about to lose the family farm. Out of desperation they made some sculptures using rusty barbed wire that was lying around. To their surprise, these unusual pieces of art were snapped up by city dwellers willing to pay a good price. The farm was saved and an idea was born, one that could save a whole community suffering from extreme economic hardship.
Lockhart is a farming area in the Riverina region of inland New South Wales. The long drought had made many families virtually destitute. Entire livelihoods precariously sat in the palms of a dry arid land. Amid escalating concerns over rural suicide, the local community decided to rally together and host a farm sculptures festival. The festival has grown in numbers and strength over the past ten years. It is now somewhat famous for its amazing elaborate sculptures made from recycled farm materials; rusty machinery, tools, rope, tin metal, corrugated iron, wrenches, wood. Whatever can be found laying around the farm.
The festival competition boasts major prize money and has placed Lockhart on the art buyers map.
It is an incredible festival to visit. The usually sleepy town is alive with music, pop-up art galleries and local food. Market stalls set up under the towns deep verandahs and of course the highlight is the sculptural exhibition down on the banks of the lagoon.
This is one creative rural community, determined to survive living and working on the land.
The stories of farmers finding restored hope through art, as they overcame severe depression is moving. Tourism has increased and morale boosted. The farmers doing it tough have found mateship down at the local Men's Shed where welding and sculpture techniques are taught and shared.
We stayed in Lockhart for a week during the Spirit Of The Land festival. The town folk are friendly, proud of their work and the camaraderie is contagious. It is just brilliant what can be done with a bit of junk. Go Lockhart!
Until next time,
xx Isabella
