Denmark Festival of Voice is seeking community feedback to shape its upcoming 20th anniversary festival

Denmark’s popular Festival of Voice will return next year for its 20th anniversary. What started as a festival for community choirs it has grown into a celebration of diversity, authenticity and originality. The festival is expected to become small and more intimate in 2023 and 2024 with the focus shifting to highlight participation and community engagement. Past festivals have showcased Noongar arts and culture as well as local emerging artists. The festival includes workshops, installations, music, storytelling, spoken word, poetry and experimental performances, making it a vibrant cultural site. Denmark Arts Council has employed two local arts professionals — Marianthe Loucataris and Ruth Maddren — to consult with the community about how they would like to see the festival develop. Ms Loucataris said that conversation with the community showed a desire for the festival to focus on creative development and community building. “We really want to hear from more people to see if these ideas resonate with the community,” she said. Denmark Arts general manager Amber Launay acknowledged the work of long-term festival director Vivienne Robertson who will be “handing on the baton” after 10 years in the role. “It’s a great time to reflect and ask the community what’s important to them about the festival,” she said. “We are really keen for the community to feel like it’s their festival and that they have a voice in how it develops. “The current conversations with the community are the beginning of an ongoing process to co-create the future of the festival with the community.” Community consultation will run until mid-January and will include options for phone and Zoom conversations with Ms Loucataris and Ms Maddren. Feedback can also be submitted by email at consultant@denmarkarts.com.au. An online survey is available on the Denmark Arts Facebook page.