Kenilworth ArtsFest, started in 1997, is a noted art event on the Sunshine Coast, embracing the visual arts, 3D, poetry and music. From small beginnings in conjunction with the Kenilworth Show and Rodeo, it has grown to become a major art competition with substantial prize money.
Encouraged by the presence of a very active artists’ group in Kenilworth and tempted by the wide touring program offered by Queensland Art Council, local residents, Glen and Veronika Spicer, organised the foundation of the Kenilworth Branch of the Qld Arts Council in 1988.
Thus, began a whole range of arts activities from touring musicians, plays, dancers and art exhibitions. Regular dinner meetings and social functions were held at Kenilworth House, sometimes with fifty or more attending.
In 1998, Kenilworth Arts Council (KAC) staged its inaugural Art Exhibition as part of the annual Kenilworth Show, using borrowed display boards and plinths! With increasing numbers of entries and visitors, the exhibition moved out on its own, going on to become one of the leading art shows on the Sunshine Coast. Such was the enthusiasm back in 1999, that Kenilworth won the “Branch of the Year” Award.
The “Kenilworth Celebrates!” art show was initiated in 2000 and was so successful that in 2006, then Mayor, Joe Natoli, offered a major prize of $10,000, which became known as “The Mayor’s Prize”. It was won by Victoria Reichelt who is now a leading Australian artist.
In subsequent years, the show’s name was changed to Kenilworth ArtsFest, and now covers other styles of art. The ever popular Poets’ Breakfast has become “Poets Alive”, happening now mid morning with entertaining poetry and lively music. The poetry competition, begun in 2018, continues.
In 2022, KAC presents the 24th Annual ArtsFest with an exhibition of paintings, 3D works, music and poetry.
Kenilworth Arts Council is more than just the presenter of popular arts competitions, working closely with the Pente Poets on parts of their well-known Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail. Kenilworth Arts Council has also co-hosted an art exhibition with the Arts Alliance Australia Inc from Caloundra. On the local scene they have a wide membership and offer entertaining arts related social activities.
Encouraged by the presence of a very active artists’ group in Kenilworth and tempted by the wide touring program offered by Queensland Art Council, local residents, Glen and Veronika Spicer, organised the foundation of the Kenilworth Branch of the Qld Arts Council in 1988.
Thus, began a whole range of arts activities from touring musicians, plays, dancers and art exhibitions. Regular dinner meetings and social functions were held at Kenilworth House, sometimes with fifty or more attending.
In 1998, Kenilworth Arts Council (KAC) staged its inaugural Art Exhibition as part of the annual Kenilworth Show, using borrowed display boards and plinths! With increasing numbers of entries and visitors, the exhibition moved out on its own, going on to become one of the leading art shows on the Sunshine Coast. Such was the enthusiasm back in 1999, that Kenilworth won the “Branch of the Year” Award.
The “Kenilworth Celebrates!” art show was initiated in 2000 and was so successful that in 2006, then Mayor, Joe Natoli, offered a major prize of $10,000, which became known as “The Mayor’s Prize”. It was won by Victoria Reichelt who is now a leading Australian artist.
In subsequent years, the show’s name was changed to Kenilworth ArtsFest, and now covers other styles of art. The Poets’ Breakfast has been a popular adjunct to the ArtsFest, with a poetry competition introduced in 2018, rewarding the winner performing. In 2021, KAC will be presenting its 23rd annual ArtsFest with the addition of musical performances.
Kenilworth Arts Council is more than just the presenter of popular arts competitions, working closely with the Pente Poets on parts of their well-known Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail. Kenilworth Arts Council has also co-hosted an art exhibition with the Arts Alliance Australia Inc from Caloundra. On the local scene they have a wide membership and offer entertaining arts related social activities.
Kenilworth Arts Council’s mission is to support and promote the arts in our local area and beyond with enthusiasm and enjoyment.