Opportunity to take part in Penrith’s Magnetic Places activities

Monday, 20 December 2021

Penrith City Council is encouraging residents to participate in a suite of free arts activities now on offer through this year’s Magnetic Places program.

Penrith City Council’s spokesperson, Karen McKeown OAM, said Magnetic Places has funded 104 successful placemaking projects since its inception in 2007, and this year’s round of activities will continue to nurture creative thinking and collaboration. The Magnetic Places program invites our communities to see their suburb in a different light and enjoy new and exciting experiences close to home.

“Year after year Penrith residents try their hand at something new and at the completion of the project suburbs in our community are transformed, with inspiring art and programs popping up around the City for everyone to enjoy,” Ms McKeown said.

“While the current array of arts initiatives will be delivered in a COVID-safe way, they still offer the opportunity to take part in a placemaking project that sees community members appreciate their surroundings and develop a greater sense of pride in where they live.

“Council is proud to deliver this to our residents for free as the impact this has on residents and at public spaces in some of our oldest suburbs is invaluable.”

Three Magnetic Places projects are now available for community members to jump into. They include:

• Magnetic Creative Faces - Learn how to film your life as you contribute to Penrith’s first ever collaborative documentary- using your phone! You’ll be coached via online videos and direct feedback from local filmmaker, Loretta Farrell. No experience required.
• North St Marys New Vision - Try your hand at design and mosaic in COVID-safe workshops at North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre with artist, Abbas Makrab. Together you’ll design and create a vibrant community mosaic.
• St Marys Sings - Join this 10-week choir with Fusion Western Sydney and choir director, Clare Richards. Enjoy learning a new song or two in the safe and welcoming environment of St Marys Library. For all voices and ages.

These projects are being offered between now and May 2022 with other exciting opportunities to get involved on their way. The works will be celebrated over two nights in May 2022 at Coachmans Park, St Marys. To find out more about each of the projects and register your interest, visit penrith.city/magneticplaces

Photo caption: Local artists Christine Huynh and Paul Zoeller are taking part in Council’s Magnetic Places program.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 20 December 2021.