Behind the scenes, the staff at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) are getting ready to welcome back local art lovers on Monday, 18 October 2021, with preparations underway to host several exhibitions and films, as well as resuming dining and takeaway options for the on-site restaurant Bellbird Dining and Bar.
Liverpool City Council Mayor Wendy Waller said she is thrilled that Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre would soon be reopen, saying the arts venue had certainly been missed by many in the community.
“The reopening of Liverpool’s preeminent culture and arts facility is an exciting step forward in reigniting community spirit after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions,” Mayor Waller said. “The safety of patrons and staff will continue to be paramount during this period, with COVID-19 protocols in place for all who attend the venue.”
Mayor Waller said there are a number of exciting exhibitions that will enthrall residents of all ages.
“Opening in the Marsden Gallery will be a community exhibition presented in partnership with the Hindu Council to celebrate Diwali, featuring over 300 carefully crafted and handmade dolls that celebrate the life of Rama, a central figure in Hindu culture. There will also be a film screening to accompany the celebrations.
“In the Switch Gallery, CPAC will unveil a sculpture exhibition featuring pieces from Council’s collection managed by the Casula Powerhouse. The exhibition will focus on looking at objects ‘in the round’ (in real life) as a refreshing change from seeing everything in ‘flat’ 2D on screens during lockdown.
“An exhibition that was previously scheduled to occur prior to lockdown called ‘Looking at Painting’ will be in the Hopper Gallery, featuring significant and emerging female artists pushing the boundaries of paint as a medium. Artists included are Nell, Carmen Glynn-Braun, Jody Graham, Rochelle Haley, Kirtika Kain, Hayley Megan French, Claudia Nicholson, Judy Watson, and Nyapanyapa Yunupingu.
“As you enter the Turbine Hall you will be greeted with a video artwork on the large main screen, called ‘Wishing You Well’. It will be a lovely tribute to springtime and the joy of reopening the venue by local artist Eye Shen, who created an animated video of flowers from her mother’s garden as a lockdown project.
“In addition, the Kids Gallery will reopen for our youngest residents with an exhibition titled ‘Sense of Place’ featuring works from local school children.”
Some of the incredible award-nominated digital programs that CPAC are renowned for will continue to run online, with monthly Italian film screenings continuing online for October and November.
The kids workshops and art classes will also continue online until December, including Art School After School, Creative Connections, and Art Club.
A new adult art class called Painting at the Powerhouse will begin online and continue in-person from December.
Bellbird Dining and Bar to welcome back Livo food lovers
Casula Powerhouse’s on-site restaurant Bellbird Dining and Bar will be reopening for coffee and takeaway from Friday 15 October. There will be a takeaway counter at Bellbird between 9am – 3pm for a delicious array of treats and packs that that can be enjoyed in the adjacent picturesque Casula Parklands.
New takeaway Picnic Packs will also be available from Friday 15 October and will continue after in-person dining resumes on Wednesday 20 October. For $45 (for two people), picnic makers will be able to graze on a pack of fresh, quality produce and artisan delicacies from France, Spain or Asia with chicken liver parfait, Spanish omelette and roasted marinated pork belly baos starring for each country. A vegetarian option will also be available.
Bookings for Bellbird Dining and Bar are now available on 8711 7077. Patrons are reminded that Dine and Discover vouchers are still able to be used when dining at the restaurant, following the NSW Government’s announcement that the program has been extended till June 2022.
