The Arts Council of the Dorrigo was established in June 1982 to bring arts events to this regional community. Our Mission is to engage with the people of the Dorrigo Plateau and beyond to promote the importance of the arts and culture for improving the quality of life. It is our aim to develop an appreciation of the arts and to enrich and enhance this quality of life through education, presentation and collaboration with other arts organisations.
The Arts Council presents a diverse range of programs to the community and seeks projects which will develop opportunities for training purposes and economic and cultural tourism.Highlights of our programme over past years have attracted people from all over the Bellingen Shire.
- Sirocco in the Rainforest presented world music (from Arab to Aboriginal, Celtic to Chinese on strings, woodwinds, percussion, saxophone and synthesiser) to an appreciative audience at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
- Circus Monoxide appealed to young and old alike with its new circus inspired lunacy, no animals and live music.
- Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act opera by American Gian-Carlo Menotti was presented in conjuction with Dorrigo Dramatic Club in 2008.
Local singers of all ages took part and were accompanied by piano and a wind ensemble. All six performances were to a packed house.
David Helfgott supported the fund raising for the opera by playing the piano in his inimitable style at the Drama Club. At times he accompanied young people from our community playing their musical instruments or singing.
