2013 will be the eighth Herring Island Summer Arts Festival. We have benefited enormously from the collaboration between arts groups: the administration and publicity side is easier and more effective, the public has a festival instead of an isolated exhibition to visit and artists have the opportunity to work together and “cross pollinate”. The Festival now has its own domain name www.herringislandfestival.org.au

Herring Island is accessible only by boat - or swimming - so it offers an adventure on the doorstep of the CBD. There are a number of large sculptures on permanent display on the island. These have been chosen or commissioned by Maudie Palmer and constitute an important part of Melbourne’s cultural life.

In 2013 the ASV exhibition will launch the festival - so we will have a formal opening, this year undertaken by Coucillor Geoff Barbour (Yarra City Coucil) acting for Mayor, Councillor Fristacky.

Australia Day falls on a Saturday in 2013 - the celebrations will take place on the following Monday - the ASV’s commitment is to contribute to demonstration events and talks, as well as being the resident exhibition - it should be both busy and fun.

This will be an exhibition of smaller works, both because of the access - via Parks Victoria’s punt and because the courtyard will be used for demonstrations and hospitality for our visitors.