Hey there. Who are we speaking with and what’s your role at End of the Line Festival?
You’re speaking with Kathleen Snowball, but everyone calls me Snowy. I’m one of the Festival Directors and the Music Coordinator for End of the Line Festival. The ethos behind
End of the Line has never been about money, but rather, both promoting and celebrating Belgrave’s vast artistic community. What about living in an enchanting natural area like the Hills has helped to shape your artist’s style or direction?
Things feel slower and more expansive in amongst the treetops, so it’s only natural that artists would gravitate to the Dandenong Ranges for space to be creative. We find that artists in the Hills tend to hibernate in their little Hobbit holes for weeks at a time, and when they emerge, they often do so armed with a quality exhibition or album in tow. There are so many of us in this community that End of the Line Festival is an opportunity to join these bodies of work together to create something that is beautiful and beneficial for all.
The Festival is very much concerned with giving promising artists and musicians every opportunity to reach their goals. How does the event work to achieve this?
Given the event is entirely volunteer run, we offer prospects for artists to get involved behind the scenes other than performing or exhibiting, leading to great professional development opportunities. In addition to this, we don’t ‘top bill’ our lineup because every performer and artist is seen as equally valuable. This creates a sense of unity and loyalty among the artists, forming opportunities for networking. It also creates a platform for emerging artists to participate in a festival of this scale on an equal standing to more established artists.
A lot of Melburnians get caught up in only concentrating on the arts and culture of the CBD and inner city suburbs like Fitzroy and St Kilda. Why should people make more of an effort to embrace artistic communities in outlying suburbs like Belgrave?
Different areas have different things to say and offer. There has always been a strong artistic community in the Hills, which has been augmented in the past few years by an influx of north-side refugees, who are adding to the richness of the melting pot. It’s a supportive and inclusive environment out here, which allows people to takes risks with their art, and when artists feel safe to try new things amazing breakthroughs happen. Besides, it’s really not that far – just jump on the train, it’s closer than you think.
Your program is so jam-packed it’s overwhelming. You’ve got artists, musicians and performers littered throughout the streets and myriad venues of Belgrave on Saturday November 28. Who are some creatives that we absolutely need to keep an eye out for?
We highly recommend all our artists of course, but my personal favourite musicians this year are Owen Rabbit, Mayfield, Lily & King, Ben Mastwyk, Miller and Alex Elbery and The Strangers. You should also get down to check out all the live painting, including a large-scale work by Ken Taylor who designed our poster artwork this year. Highlights in my opinion of our visual arts program are exhibitions from Amy Middleton, Amos Duggan and Gerard Russo.
End of the Line boasts accessibility for all ages. For all of you hardworking parents out there, The Green will act as a safe haven and interactive ‘playscape’ for kids of all ages. What activities are on offer?
The Green is back this year and has had a total makeover. We have a dedicated kids music stage for little rockers, featuring performances and workshops throughout the day. Parents can come kick back in our chai tent, or lounge under an umbrella on the lawn and enjoy a cuppa whilst the kids explore the interactive playscape, playground, art zone, or get their groove on in the silent disco. It’s the perfect place to park the family and soak up the festival vibe.
Based on the overwhelming response you experienced from Melburnians in the festival’s 2013 incarnation, can you paint a picture of the kind of atmosphere that we can expect this year?
The festival is full of light, buzzing energy and colour, and it welcomes all with open arms. It’s a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere during the day, jam packed with loving, respectful and socially responsible people, and of course, truckloads of amazing art to explore. As the sun goes down on our little town, the party amps up, and let me tell you, Hills folk know how to party. You’re crazy if you miss it. Did we mention it’s free?
Whether you catch the train, skydive, car pool or dink a mate, be sure to head out to Belgrave for the END OF THE LINE FESTIVAL on Saturday November 28.
