GALA OPENING, FAMILY CONCERT & ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS

Welcome to ‘Testing the Fibre’, the 2009 Alice Springs Beanie Festival.

Everyone is invited to this FREE fun packed event.  There will be local bands playing, a feast of local food and drinks, we will announce the winners of the 13 competition categories and you will be able to wander through this year’s exhibition and grab an original masterpiece.  Rug up and BYO beanie… Ooops!  Haven’t got one?  Just as well Beanie Central will be open on Friday afternoon until 5pm.  The event will be opened by the Hon. Alison Anderson MLA (NT Minister for the Arts) with a Welcome to Country by Sally-Anne Heffernan.

Once announced, all winners names will be posted on our web site (www.beaniefest.org).  The only exception is the Centralian Advocate People’s Choice Award which will be announced on Monday at 12:30 and posted soon after.

DATE

Friday 26 June, 6 pm to 9 pm

VENUE

Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

BEANIE CENTRAL

Beanie Central is the centre piece of the whole Festival!  Witchettys is the place to be all weekend long as the 5,500 plus beanies come out of their bags and are displayed on the walls, in the air and on the tables to be sold.  Take home a piece of the mayhem and fun with beanies ranging from $8 to $70.00.  These beanies have been made by artists all over the world - come and marvel at the creativity, the fun and the heart that goes into them.  All proceeds go back to the artists and also to help fund the year long work that the Beanie Festival does.  Entry is by gold coin donation.

DATE

Friday 26 June 12pm to Monday 29 June at 5pm

VENUE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

TESTING THE FIBRE EXHIBITION

Another quintessential must see Beanie event - the Beanie Competition. 

Each year over 500 entries are received for the Beanie Competition.  They come from all corners of the globe including from our workshops conducted in remote Central Australian Indigenous communities.  This is a marvellous showcase of people’s amazing talents, passions and eccentricities with countless hours going into each beanie.  Some beanies are for sale and some will be chosen by the Beanie Festival Committee to join the travelling exhibition that can be seen at various venues around Australia (see www.beaniefest.org).  Entry to the exhibition is free for Alice residents and $10.00 for visitors for a two day pass which gets you into all of the Araluen venues (just keep your ticket handy).  The Exhibition remains open at Araluen until the end of July 2009.

DATE

Friday 26 June 2009 from 7pm to mid August 2009

VENUE

Gallery One, Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

All that rummaging in Beanie Central can be hard work!  That’s why some of the local lassies volunteer their time to cook yummy home made cakes and bickies to recharge your batteries so you can go back in to battle in Beanie Central when the next batch of goodies is brought out from the beanie vault.  The Tea Shop is open whenever Beanie Central is open.  If you would like to volunteer some time to help out in the Tea Shop, come along to Volunteer Registration (see below).

VENUE

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

DATE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

SUSTAINABLE COUTURE EXHIBITION – ‘DO YOU GIVE A FROCK?’

Sustainable Couture is a unique fashion event created by a number of Alice Springs women who have fused their skills as artists, designers and skilled garment constructors, with a unique approach to recycling.  These one-off designs make a strong fashion statement at the same time as they allow their wearers to bank those necessary – and very trendy – carbon credits.  See it first in Alice Springs.
The exhibition is open all weekend with the official opening at 6:30pm on Thursday 25 June with drinks and nibbles – all welcome.  For more info telephone 0418 897 143.
                                                                                                                                          

DATE

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – See Program Snapshot

VENUE

Central Craft, Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

DROP IN WORKSHOPS FOR BIG & LITTLE KIDS

Part of the fun of the Beanie Festival is the informal Drop In Workshops that happen in the foyer and the courtyard of Araluen. Run by various artists they consist of everything from basic crocheting, knitting and felting to Indigenous spinning and basket making.   Some are designed for children, others for adults and older children.  There is a nominal fee for each workshop which goes directly to the artist.  Check the notice board in the foyer daily for times, artists and locations and put your name down on the day (no bookings taken prior to the day).

DATE

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

VENUE

Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

CENTRAL CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Again this year we have teamed up with Central Craft to bring you some amazing workshops with renowned artists from around Australia.  Each workshop runs for two hours and is suitable for all levels.  The workshop program can be obtained from our web site (www.beaniefest.org), from Central Craft (next to Araluen) or there’s a rundown of who, what, where and when in the Program Snapshot.  Most workshops are $30.00 and bookings are essential by telephoning 08 8952 4417.

DATE

Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

VENUE

Central Craft, Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

FREE CROCHETING WORKSHOPS

You just lost your last excuse for not learning how to crochet!  These workshops are completely free and we want everyone to leave the Festival knowing how to crochet.   Lets keep this age old art alive and pass it on to the next generation of Beanie Festival goers.  Hooks and wool for sale on site or BYO… come along and find out what the whole world is raving about! 

DATE

Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 5pm

VENUE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

SYDNEY HYPERBOLIC CROTCHET CORAL REEF PROJECT

This year the Beanie Festival is supporting the work of the Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef Project. This is a global project and is facilitated in Australia by In Stitches Collective. They invite you to participate in this celebration of the intersection of higher geometry and craft - a testimony to the disappearing wonders of the marine world.  Feel free to drop in over the weekend and contribute to this worthy cause by adding a few crocheted rows.  For more information telephone 0450 635 043.

DATE

Various times – see Program Snapshot

VENUE

Araluen Arts Centre Foyer, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

FREE DEMONSTRATIONS

Enjoy free demonstrations of traditional Anangu Indigenous spinning and other textiles.  Chat with the Anangu ladies about the stories behind these crafts and, as a special treat, taste some kangaroo tail and bush damper cooked on an open fire. 

DATE

Saturday and Sunday afternoon

VENUE

Courtyard, Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

BEANIE OLYMPICS

A hotly contested event not for the feint hearted!  This is where the textile experts vie for the title of ‘Fastest Beanie Maker in the Universe’.  This year we are attempting to break the Guinness Book of Records title of fastest crocheter.  Can we do it?  Come along and cheer or come along and be part of this speed crochet event.  We will be using size 9 hooks and Cleckheaton Gusto yarns and anyone can take part.

DATE

Sunday 28 June 2009 at 3:30pm

VENUE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre on Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CENTRALIAN ADVOCATE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Over the course of the weekend, everyone who visits the Testing the Fibre Exhibition in Gallery One will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite beanie.  At the end of the weekend a volunteer will be given the job of counting the votes and the winner will be announced on Monday at 12:30.  We encourage you to send a message to your favourite beanie maker that they made a difference in your life at this year’s Festival.
 

DATE

Monday 29 June at 12:30pm

VENUE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre on Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

WHO CAN SAY THE WORD ‘BEANIE’ THE LEAST TIMES IN ONE DAY?

On Sunday 28 June we will be running a competition for our volunteers to see who can say the word ‘beanie’ the least in one day.  Help us catch the volunteers out by tricking them, goading them or deceiving them into saying the word ‘beanie’. If you find a volunteer who cannot be coerced, pop into the volunteer’s tent and dob them in for their chance to win a great prize.  Look out for the volunteers in their aprons with their name badges on.

DATE

All day Sunday

VENUE

Anywhere throughout Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

EVER WONDERED WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE A CAMELEER?

In keeping with the camel theme this year you can experience what it’s like to ride a camel.  Head out the back of Araluen and you will find some camels.  There are rides and photo opportunities galore.

DATE

Saturday and Sunday

VENUE

Behind Araluen Arts Centre, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Want to be a part of the action this year?  Have you got a spare two hours?  Want to send your other half off whilst you do a workshop or rummage through Beanie Central? 
We need hands, lots and lots and lots of hands.  Each year about 150 generous soles donate their time (or their partner’s time) to help run the Festival.  Jobs range from Beanie Minder in the Gallery and Beanie Central, to Security Guard, to Packer and Unpacker, Meeter & Greeter and general all round helping person.  There are some incentives like some yummy Beanie Festival merchandise, warm pumpkin soup and other gifts from local businesses.  Plus, you get to come to the exclusive Volunteer’s Party. If you would like to be part of the fun, come along to Volunteer Registration.

Please note that this year there will be some extra incentives like prizes for the person who has the most fun whilst volunteering. 

DATE

Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm and Thursday 12:00pm to 6:00pm

VENUE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre on Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

VOLUNTEER DRINKS & INFO SESSION

If you do sign on to be a volunteer for this year’s event, make sure you come along to the Volunteer’s Drinks to find out a little about what you will be doing and the great incentives that we offer you.  This is not the volunteer’s party, read on for that one.

DATE

Thursday 26 June at 5:30 – 6:30pm

VENUE

Witchettys at Araluen Arts Centre on Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

VOLUNTEERS PARTY

This year we have some extra special stuff for our volunteers starting with a party at the Gillen Club.  The Gillen Club have very generously offered to support us in 2009 and we’re passing on their support by offering all volunteers a free meal following the Sunday festivities.  You must have done at least one two hour shift to qualify for this great offer, but, you can bring a partner to the event who can eat for just $10.00. Come along and share your stories with your fellow volunteers and with the Committee and wind down after a big weekend.

BUT WAIT…… STOP PRESS!...

This year it’s not only the beanies who can win the prizes, there will also be some prizes exclusively for volunteers.  If you are voted the ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’ or the ‘Volunteer With The Biggest Smile’ you can only claim your prize by being present on at the Volunteer’s Party.  The categories will be announced on the night and are at the discretion of the Committee pending how many foot massages you offer!!!  And of course, the Grand Prize will be for the person who manages NOT to say the word ‘beanie’ on Sunday.  This category will be voted for by your adoring public so come along and see who will be King/Queen Volunteer in 2009.

More information can be obtained from the Volunteer Tent in the courtyard at Araluen all weekend or by telephoning 0413 992 378.

DATE

Sunday 28 June from 5:30pm

VENUE

Gillen Club, Milner Road, Alice Springs

ORIGINAL OUTBACK BUSH BBQ DINNER TOUR

Tailormade Tours, one of Alice’s local tour operators have designed a dinner under the stars especially for the Beanie Festival.

Enjoy an evening around the campfire with a fine meal of prime Central Australia
Beef. This fun filled evening under the stars in the atmosphere of an early Australian cattle camp and will long be remembered. 

Your evening includes transfers from the Araluen Carpark, a three course meal, all beer, wine and soft drink, bush damper making, an informative insight into the Aboriginal way of life, bush balladeer and stargazing at our clear outback skies. 

Numbers are limited so book early with Tailormade on 08 8952 1731.  No bookings accepted after 5pm Wednesday 24 June.

Adult $120.00   /  Child (5-14 yrs) $70.00
Minimum of 20 passengers to guarantee departure.

DATE

Saturday 27 June from 5pm

VENUE

Under the Stars – Leave from Araluen Car park

2009 PRIZES & POSTERS

This year’s prizes and posters have been designed by local artist Alison Hitman.

2009 BEANIE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

In 2004 after much deliberation, the Festival incorporated and a formal committee was established.  These guys and gals are from all over the country and are dedicated to the Beanie cause.  They put in many voluntary hours each year to assist the Executive to bring the event together.  They tag beanies, they make executive decisions, they empty our bins, they tackle the hard questions and they feed us chocolate when it all gets too much.  Our heartfelt thanks goes out to them.

                                    CHAIRPERSON                  Gay Epstein
                                    VICE CHAIRPERSON        Margie Craig
                                    SECRETARY                       Margaret McDonell
                                    TREASURER                       Tony Nixon
                                    COMMITTEE                         Karen Jones
                                    Lisa Walla
                                    Pantjiti McKenzie
                                    EXECUTIVE OFFICER      Jo Nixon

                                    MANAGER                            Libby Nuss

ROCO DETAILS

One of the Beanie Festival’s big achievements for 2009 has been our inclusion on the Register of Cultural Organisations.  This means that all donations to the Festival are now tax deductible.  If you would like to assist us to continue the work that we do improving the lives of many hundreds of people around the country, please get in touch with any of our committee members (look for the green t-shirts) and they would be happy to talk you through the possibilities. 

BEANIE FESTIVAL CONTACT DETAILS

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival
7 Gall Street, Alice Springs NT 0870
08 8952 2615
Beanies@octa4.net.au
http://www.beaniefest.org

If you would like to contact the committee with your stories
from this year’s event, we’d love to hear from you.

And of course, if you had a great time this year, tell your friends.
Or better still, bring them back with you in 2010.

Thank you and see you in 2010.
J

Wednesday

Start Time

Finish Time

Event

Venue

10:00am

5:00pm

Volunteer Registration

Witchettys

Thursday

Start Time

Finish Time

Event

Venue

12:00pm

5:30pm

Volunteer Registration

Witchettys

5:30pm

6:30pm

Volunteers welcome and drinks

Witchettys

6:30pm

7:30pm

Sustainable Couture Exhibition Opening

Central Craft

Friday 26 June

Start Time

Finish Time

Event

Venue

9:00am

10:00am

Sneak Preview of Competition Gallery for Sponsors only

Gallery 1

10:00am

5:30pm

Sustainable Couture Exhibition

Central Craft

12:00pm

5:00pm

Beanie Central Open

Witchettys

12:00pm

5:00pm

Beanie Tea Shop Open

Witchettys

1:00pm

3:00pm

Felted Embellishments Workshop with Kath Frank

Central Craft

1:00pm

3:00pm

Peruvian Styled Felt Hat Workshop with Jenny King

Central Craft

1:00pm

3:00pm

Free Form Knitting Workshop with Margaret Perkins

Central Craft

1:00pm

3:00pm

Needle Felted Hats Workshop with Patricia Miller

Central Craft

2:00pm

5:00pm

Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef Workshop

Foyer

6:00pm

9:00pm

Gala Opening, Concert & Announcement of Competition Winners

Araluen Courtyard

7:00pm

9:00pm

Competition Gallery Open to the Public

Gallery 1

3:30pm

5:30pm

Felt a Bag Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

3:30pm

5:30pm

Freeform Crochet Workshop with Margaret Perkins

Central Craft

3:30pm

5:30pm

Gum Leaf Scarf Workshop with Jenny King

Central Craft

3:30pm

5:30pm

Beaded Beanie Buddies Workshop with Caroline Searle

Central Craft

Check notice boards for daily Drop In Workshops held in the Foyer of Araluen Arts Centre

Saturday 27 June

Start Time

Finish Time

Event

Venue

9:30am

5:30pm

Sustainable Couture Exhibition

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Felted Embellishments Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Create a Wonderful Hat Workshop with Waltraud Reiner

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Fun Crochet Beanie with Needle Felted Crown Workshop, Gay Epstein

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Solomon's Knot Workshop with Jenny King

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Make a Tea Cosy Part 1 Workshop with Jude Mapleson (price inc 2 parts)

Central Craft

10:00am

5:00pm

Beanie Central Open

Witchettys

10:00am

5:00pm

Beanie Tea Shop Open

Witchettys

10:00am

4:00pm

Competition Gallery open

Gallery 1

10:00am

12:00pm

Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef Workshop

Foyer

10:00am

5:00pm

Camel Rides

Behind Araluen

12:00pm

5:00pm

Kangaroo Tail Tasting

Courtyard

12:30pm

2:30pm

Weaving on Mini Looms Workshop with Ada Markby

Central Craft

12:30pm

2:30pm

Make a Tea Cosy Part 2 Workshop with Jude Mapleson (price inc 2 parts)

Central Craft

12:30pm

2:30pm

Basic Felting Workshop with Philomena Hali

Central Craft

12:30pm

2:30pm

Freedom Knitting Workshop with Margaret Perkins

Central Craft

1:00pm

5:00pm

Free Crotchet Workshops

Witchettys

1:00pm

5:00pm

Drop In Workshops & Demonstrations

Foyer

2:00pm

4:00pm

Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef Workshop

Foyer

3:00pm

5:00pm

Japanese Braiding Workshop with Ada Markby

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Needle Felted Hats Workshop with Patricia Miller

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Miser Coin Purse in Hemp Workshop with Jenny King

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Beaded Beanie Buddies Workshop with Caroline Searle

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Felt a Bag Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

5:00pm

9:30pm

Tailormade Tours Original Outback Bush BBQ Dinner Tour

Under the Stars

Check notice boards for daily Drop In Workshops held in the Foyer of Araluen Arts Centre

Sunday 28 June

Start Time

Finish Time

Event

Venue

9:30am

5:30pm

Catch a volunteer saying 'beanie' day - see program for details

All

9:30am

5:30pm

Sustainable Couture Exhibition

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Silk Fusion Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Double Knitting, Knit a Fitted Headband Workshop with Jude Skeers

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Create a Wonderful Hat Worksop with Waltraud Reiner

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Japanese Braid Worksop with Ada Markby

Central Craft

9:30am

11:30am

Fun Crochet Beanies with Needle Felt Worksop with Gay Epstein

Central Craft

10:00am

5:00pm

Beanie Central Open

Witchettys

10:00am

5:00pm

Beanie Tea Shop Open

Witchettys

10:00am

4:00pm

Competition Gallery open

Gallery 1

10:00am

12:00pm

Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef Workshop

Foyer

10:00am

5:00pm

Camel Rides

Behind Araluen

12:00pm

5:00pm

Kangaroo Tail Tasting

Courtyard

12:30pm

2:00pm

Nuno Felted Scarf Workshop with Philomena Hali

Central Craft

12:30pm

2:00pm

Freeform Crochet Workshop with Margaret Perkins

Central Craft

12:30pm

2:00pm

Felt a Bag Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

12:30pm

2:00pm

Making Felted Balls Workshop with Jenny King

Central Craft

1:00pm

5:00pm

Drop In Workshops & Demonstrations

Foyer

1:00pm

5:00pm

Free Crotchet Workshops

Witchettys

2:00pm

3:30pm

Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef Workshop

Foyer

3:00pm

5:00pm

Weaving on Mini Looms Workshop with Ada Markby

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Felted Embellishments Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Needle Felted Hats with Patricia Miller

Central Craft

3:00pm

5:00pm

Beaded Beanie Buddies Workshop with Caroline Searle

Central Craft

3:30pm

4:00pm

Beanie Olympics

Witchettys

5:30pm

9:00pm

Volunteers Party

Gillen Club

Check notice boards for daily Drop In Workshops held in the Foyer of Araluen Arts Centre

Monday 29 June

Start Time

Finish Time

Event

Venue

10:00am

5:00pm

Beanie Central Open

Witchettys

10:00am

5:00pm

Beanie Tea Shop Open

Witchettys

10:00am

5:00pm

Competition Gallery open

Gallery 1

10:00am

12:00pm

Sydney Hyperbolic Crotchet Coral Reef

Witchettys

10:00am

12:00pm

Silk Fusion Workshop with Kathy Frank

Central Craft

10:00am

12:00pm

Nuno Felted Scarf Workshop with Philomena Hali

Central Craft

10:00am

12:00pm

Create a Wonderful Hat Workshop with Waltraud Reiner

Central Craft

10:00am

12:00pm

Beaded Beanie Buddies Workshop with Caroline Searle

Central Craft

10:00am

4:00pm

Sustainable Couture Exhibition

Central Craft

12:30pm

12:45pm

Announcement of People's Choice Award

Witchettys

5:00pm

Start planning for 2010!

Check notice boards for daily Drop In Workshops held in the Foyer of Araluen Arts Centre