MALLACOOTA AND ITS ARTS COUNCIL

In the mid 70's, when the town's population was only 600, the artists in Mallacoota
recognised a need for a platform for their art. Together they formed a group which would be later called the Mallacoota Arts Council. The Mallacoota Arts Council (MAC) began with the aim to promote cultural activities, that could bridge the geographic isolation of the town and reduce the disadvantages incurred by living so far from the city.

MAC has since fulfilled its intention, providing high quality entertainment and artistic experience for local residents and producing events for the enjoyment of the many visitors to the town.

MAC was established as an Incorporated Association in 1981, under the umbrella of the Victorian Arts Council. Its primary business was conducting an annual Easter Festival, developing community arts and presenting high quality performance material from out of town.

After 25 years, MAC ceased to produce an annual festival. In recent years Mallcoota Arts Council has changed its focus from the major Easter Festival to present a yearly arts program. 

The program includes -

The Festival of Forest, Flowers, Fiction and other things that start with ‘F’ - a Spring celebration held over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

AFC's Big Screen - a selection of Australian feature films

Live musical performances.
Arts Weekends.
Community Markets.
Visual Art Exhibitions.
The EJ Brady Short Story Competition.
Workshops for adults and children.
Facilitating Community Theatre Productions.
Assistance to community groups in the presentation of events.

Vision Statement

The Mallacoota Arts Council Inc. (MAC) is a volunteer community organisation, which has an established reputation for presenting innovative, high quality visual arts, music and performance since it was incorporated in 1981. MAC supports local community arts groups, and brings into this remote rural environment a variety of arts and culture; aiming to enrich, challenge and inspire the local and regional communities.

The Mission

The Mallacoota Arts Council Inc. is committed to providing:
• Opportunities for community members to HAVE FUN and work together in cultural celebration.
• Opportunities for artists, arts workers and volunteers in Mallacoota and East Gippsland to gain skills, experience, exposure, recognition and employment.
• Opportunities for community members to work alongside professionals in the fields of drama, visual arts, music, performing arts and literature.
• A forum for the exploration of ecological issues surrounding human impact on the coastal environment.
• Curriculum opportunities to maximise outcomes for participating regional schools
• Positive economic outcomes for the township of Mallacoota and the region of East Gippsiand.
• Acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land and facilitating indigenous cultural expression.
• Reflecting the diversity of our community and encouraging us to work together.
• Balancing fiscal responsibility with the principles of community cultural development.
• Developing partnerships with others and continually providing skills and training opportunities.