KickArts: Recent Episodes
KickArts
We love nothing more than celebrating young local talent here at KickArts, so we’re thrilled to introduce Sam Leddin, a young author who has just published his debut novel with Pegasus Publishers.
Sam’s book, The Shadows in the Night: The Wolves of Elyra, is out now through Vanguard Press. It’s a fantasy novel set in Elyra, a world worn down by decades of mistrust between Wolves and Humans, held together by nothing more than a fragile truce. At the heart of the story is an unlikely friendship between Kenai, a young wolf bound by the weight of tradition, and Kiera, a human girl who just wants to be free. Their bond crosses a line neither side is supposed to cross, and it’s enough to stir up tensions that have been simmering for generations.
For a debut, it’s an ambitious world to build, but Sam has clearly poured himself into it. He’s always been drawn to storytelling, using it as a form of escapism growing up, and that shows in the way he’s woven real-world experiences into Elyra to make it feel lived-in rather than just imagined. It’s the kind of detail that turns a fantasy setting into something readers can actually relate to, and that makes characters like Kenai and Kiera feel like more than just wolf and girl.
Seeing a young writer go from a passion for stories to a finished, published novel is exactly the kind of thing we want to shine a light on. It takes real persistence to get a manuscript all the way to print, and Sam’s certainly put in the work.
The Shadows in the Night: The Wolves of Elyra is available now in paperback. If you’re after a fresh fantasy voice with a local connection, this one’s well worth a look.
Step into history through the power of art at the French Revolution Commemorative Posters Exhibition, presented by Shearers Arms Gallery in collaboration with the Geelong Art Society Inc.
This fascinating exhibition features a selection of posters created by internationally renowned artists and designers who were commissioned by Artis89 in 1989 to commemorate the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and the bicentenary of the French Revolution.
Created by some of the world’s leading graphic artists, the collection explores timeless themes of freedom, equality, justice and resistance to oppression. More than 35 years after they were first produced, these visually striking works continue to spark conversation and reflect the ongoing importance of human rights around the globe.
Visitors will discover bold graphic design, powerful symbolism and diverse cultural perspectives from celebrated artists including Milton Glaser, Kohei Sugiura, Michel Quarez and Gert Dumbar. Together, these works form a rare and internationally significant exhibition that blends history, creativity and social commentary into a compelling visual experience.
Whether you’re passionate about art, history, graphic design or human rights, this unique exhibition offers an inspiring opportunity to experience an extraordinary collection rarely seen in Australia.
Exhibition Dates22 July – 31 August 2026
AdmissionFree Entry
LocationShearers Arms Gallery
The Geelong Art Society
202 Aberdeen Street
Geelong West VIC 3218
Don’t miss this exceptional exhibition celebrating one of history’s most influential movements through the eyes of internationally acclaimed artists and designers.
Casting Dreams is a Geelong–based performing arts initiative dedicated to ensuring every young person regardless of financial circumstances, has the opportunity to access quality performance education where talent should never be limited by a your financial situation.
On Friday 10 July, Casting Dreams is hosting Dream Big! This inaugural Benefit Evening is the flagship fundraising event of the year. Profits from every ticket purchased, and every donation made on the night goes directly toward scholarship for aspiring young performers across the Geelong region, giving them the training, confidence, and opportunity they deserve.
Casting Dreams founder, Daniel, joined me in the studio to talk about the upcoming fundraiser along with some of the other work he does with Casting Dreams.
At just 14 years old, Daniel is an inspiration for many and is determined to help more young people feel the joy of live performance.
Tickets to Dream Big are available here.
Listen to the interview below.
GEELONG, STEP INSIDE THE STORY
From world-leading Australian Producers, White Spark Pictures,in partnership with Village Cinemas.
World class Virtual Reality Cinema comes to Village Cinemas Geelong for the first time.
For the first time ever, audiences in Geelong will be able to experience three spectacular virtual reality (VR) films in a shared, fully immersive cinema setting, as White Spark Pictures brings its award-winning VR Cinema season to Village Cinemas Geelong.
From Monday 1 June to 31 August, audiences can step inside The Antarctica Experience, The Great Kimberley Wilderness and Beyond the Milky Way. These are not films you simply watch, these are films you become a part of.
Using fully immersive 360 degree virtual reality and cinematic surround sound, audiences are placed at the centre of extraordinary worlds, from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, to the ancient Kimberley wilderness, to deep space and the Milky Way, in an experience designed for all ages and perfect for families.
The limited season marks the first time these films have been presented in virtual reality to Victorian audiences, and the first time Geelong audiences will have the chance to experience White Spark Pictures’ groundbreaking shared virtual reality cinema format.
White Spark Pictures is one of Australia’s leading immersive VR film companies, with its films already drawing major audiences nationally. The Antarctica Experience and The Great Kimberley Wilderness are among Australia’s top ten highest grossing theatrical documentaries of all time, when comparing box office.
We spoke to White Spark Pictures Founder and Director Briege Whitehead (listen to interview):
The Virtual Reality Cinema season runs at Village Cinemas Geelong from Monday 1 June to 31 August.
Tickets are limited and early booking is strongly recommended.
Tickets available from VR Cinema | Village Cinemas
By Jessie Aiton
Phil Brady OAM rang me last year and left a lengthy voicemail saying he hoped I was well and “working in show business”.
Twelve centuries ago, I had cut my radio teeth on Nightline when I was 26 years old. Though I ended up moving to the whirlwind of daytime radio, Phil was adamant that I could return to Nights at any time.
“Don’t forget Jess,” he’d always say. “This studio is your home. Wherever you work in the world, this studio will always be your home”.
He offered this to many of us – and in a broadcasting world which is cut-throat and fast moving – to know I could always return to his studio was like knowing I could always warm up by the fire if I was cold and needed a warm roast meal.
Everyone I worked with adored him. Not just due to his friendliness, support and consideration of other people, but speaking with Phil just for a moment gave one the impression they were speaking with someone from another time.
He was traditional and gentlemanly. You never had to be anyone but yourself with him. Though he was often saturated in the smell of coffee and cigarettes (which permeated him on a cellular level) there was a certain glamour to him.
One instance being when I burnt and sent him a CD (The Third Man soundtrack) at his request, Phil contacted me asking if he could “buy me some cigarettes” as a thank you.
“Bye bye darling,” he’d always say when we wrapped up our calls. “Until we speak again.”
Phil was never perturbed or concerned about when that time would be – he knew our paths would cross again somehow and they always did.
When Phil passed, many of my colleagues and I made a concerted effort to come to his funeral – not just to see Phil, but to see one another.
He was just that warm fire for so many of us – and he was there for so many of us at different points of our career – even if it was just to stop by for a proverbial warm roast meal before heading out into the cold busy-ness of life again.
I will miss Phil dearly; and though he lived in his own world, all who were invited in left feeling a little warmer.
Bye bye darling, until we speak again.
Jess x
Photo: 3AW RadioPhoto: Channel 9Listen to the tribute compiled by Jess Aiton below
Written towards the end of Covid, the short film Lara, by Leah Baulch, is a drama that delves into the personal and artistic struggles of its protagonist, Emily. Played by Olivia Fildes (Sunflower), Emily is a burned-out photographer who visits her boyfriend’s sister in the quiet countryside town of Lara. There, she is forced to confront deep-seated questions about a future she has never fully envisioned.
Leah Baulch, the film’s writer, director, and co-star, began developing the script as an exploration of family and commitment. Over time, it evolved into a poignant examination of an artist’s inner conflict—her struggle to move forward, whether in terms of relationships, self-care, or creative fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences as an artist, Leah has crafted a deeply personal yet universally relatable story.
Joining Olivia Fildes in the cast is accomplished Australian actor Darcy Kent (Neighbours, Warnie, Offspring) as Ross, Emily’s boyfriend. Leah Baulch herself steps into the role of Genevieve, Ross’ sister, making Lara a truly intimate and emotionally charged film.
Behind the scenes, Lara owes its success to a dedicated and resourceful crew, including cinematographer Sara Jo Fraser, editor Dallas Bland, and composer Larissa Agosti. Despite the challenges of filming in the intense summer heat and navigating long travel distances, the passion and commitment of this team brought Leah’s vision to life.
The film was supported by Geelong Waterfront Film and produced by Dos Hermanas Productions.
Listen to the studio interview below:
In our latest catch-up we meet the organiser of Americana on the Bellarine, an outdoor festival at the Potato Shed that celebrates all things Americana music.
Featuring some of our region’s finest songwriters and musicians, performing on our outdoor stage as the sun sets and stars begin to twinkle. There will be blues, roots, country, folk and rock, rockabilly and gospel, all doused with a whole lot of soul.
Headliners Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves join Bellarine’s favourite songwriters, Andrea Robertson and band, along with The Mojo Corner, underneath the stars of a Bellarine summer sky.
So grab your friends, throw down your picnic rug, bring some nibbles and enjoy a drink from the licensed bar.
BOOK ONLINE
All ages – U18 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian (U12’s free).
Listen to the interview with Andrea Robertson below:
Coal Miner’s Daughter – The Story of Loretta Lynn and Friends, will sing the story of a champion of women’s rights, a mother of six, and a lifetime of chart-topping hits to Geelong’s country music lovers.
In floor-length gowns adorned with tassels and rhinestones, with hair as close to country music heaven as possible, where country music started and still should be – in the theatre, just like the Grand Ole Opry.
Coal Miner’s Daughter celebrates the incredible life and stellar career of the late great Loretta Lynn. From her early days in the hills of Kentucky to her tempestuous marriage, tragic losses, and enduring bonds with such luminaries as Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson until final send-off to country music heaven.
I recently caught up with Amber Joy Poulton to discuss the upcoming performance. Listen below
I was humbled and privileged to attend super musician pop duo Otto and Astrid’s one off show at the Potato Shed last week.
The brother and sister hail from Berlin and have been performing together for over twenty years – which frankly doesn’t feel like long enough.
The website for their band Die Roten Punkte describes Otto and Astrid as “super musicians and unparalleled performers of stellar proportions” and they could not be more accurate or uncomplicated in their descriptions.
For an hour we watched as they took us on an odyssey of sound, pathos, and deep healing in a loud way.
Performing on tour together doesn’t come without its challenges and I commend Otto and Astrid for acknowledging and implementing “artistic boundaries”.
Not every band would have the wisdom and practical experience to take a roll of duct tape, divide the stage in two halves, and each take ownership over one section of the audience whilst pitting them against one another over the course of an hour…
But these siblings know how to resolve their differences in a way where the audience feel included, comfortable and free to witness a virtual estrangement played out publicly.
Personally, I find Otto and Astrid’s commitment to their craft during times of great adversity inspiring, and I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to speak with them backstage shortly before Rolling Stone dialled in.
You can keep up to date with Otto and Astrid’s hectic schedule and attachment issues by visiting ottoandastrid.com
Or head to Instagram: @ottoandastrid
– Jess Aiton
Photo: Elaine Janes
The North Bellarine Film Festival is set to award a new category when it opens at the Potato Shed in Drysdale on the weekend of 17-18 November, 2023.
The festival opens on Friday evening with the critically acclaimed French film Saint Omer, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.
The Emerging Filmmaker Award will be presented Saturday evening to a young Victorian filmmaker and beginning this year, the audience will select a ‘Peoples’ Choice’ from the Emerging Filmmaker Award finalists.
The Short Film Program on Saturday afternoon will include a diverse range of Australian and international short films that includes drama, mystery, comedy and animation. Short films are an exciting genre in filmmaking and this session should not be missed!
Catering at the Opening Night and the Emerging Filmmaker Award ceremony will be provided by Portarlington café Pier Street. Beer, local wines and soft drinks will also be available at the cash bar.
Festival Chair, Bill Lussier, called past the KickArts studios to give us an update of what to expect for this year’s festival.
Listen to the interview below.
This week on KickArts we meet film maker Thomas Broadbent who’s short film features as part of the upcoming North Bellarine Film Festvial Dinner and Film night on 26 October at the National Wool Musuem.
Join fellow film lovers for an evening of short-films at the North Bellarine Film Festival Dinner and Film night.
Discover this year’s most intriguing short films, produced by emerging Australian and international filmmakers including: Zac Marrinan, Dan Walls, Rikard Westman, Ainur Turganbayeva, Thomas Broadbent, Alvaro Rozas Leiva and Angus Molden.
Begin your evening with a two-course meal at Black Sheep Restaurant then join award-winning Melbourne based filmmaker, Thomas Broadbent as he speaks about the art of good story telling and his film Negatives.
As the lights go down, settle in to experience captivating films surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts. Our carefully curated selection of eight Australia and international short films guarantees an evening filled with laughter, suspense, and heartfelt moments.
Whether you’re a film buff, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, the North Bellarine Film Festival Film and Dinner Night promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the art of film and enjoy a delightful dining experience in the heart of Geelong!
Cost* Admit one: $50.00 – Film viewing only * Adult: $50.00 – Two course dinner and drink * Other/More Information: $40.00Early bird special for film viewing – until 30 September 2023
Book tickets hereListen below for the interview with film maker Thomas Broadbent.
Geelong’s renowned Lyric Theatre hits the Playhouse stage this week with their latest production of Jersey Boys – The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
A high-energy production with some great on-stage talent, today on KickArts we caught up with co-producer and stage manager Derek Ingles.
Show dates: 6-14 October, The Playhouse – Geelong Arts Centre
Click here for tickets.
Listen to the full interview below.
It's the long weekend we've been waiting for...this weekend we will be kicking up our heels and dancing the night away at the 19th annual National Celtic Folk Festival!
The North Bellarine Film Festival is pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for its 2023 program.
Photo by Ivan Kemp. Off I skipped last week to see staunch shapeshifter Stewart Reeve perform his show Chameleon at the Potato Shed in Drysdale. I was intrigued by the pitch. I like chameleons and...
Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs presents Cuorosensa: A Reverse Archaeology, a new exhibition by Marco Luccio opening on 4 April 2023.
Presenting another thought-provoking collection of mixed media works, Italian born international artist Marco Luccio returns to fortyfivedownstairs from 4 – 29 April with his latest exhibition Cuorosensa: A Reverse Archaeology.
Over fifteen years ago, Luccio began collecting used postcards from New York City flea markets and curio shops when he was a resident at the top of the Chrysler building (notably, the only other artist to have had a studio in the iconic landmark is esteemed Life photographer, Margaret Bourke-White). Impressed by the card’s evocative nostalgia and intimacy, they were, according to Luccio, “beautiful artefacts, remnants of the past preserved in small and fragile time capsules”. That sentiment was reflected in Luccio’s wonderful collection of small-scale works, New York Postcards (2019). In Cuorosensa we see an evolution into something much larger in scale, both in size and substance.
On this episode of KickArts we talk to Marco about this new exhibition, his inspirations and also the new art classes he is offering at the NGV.
Celebrated ARIA-award winning artist Katie Noonan will be presenting Joni Mitchell’s album ‘Blue’ accompanied by guitar virtuoso Ben Hauptmann at the Palais Geelong.
According to Mitchell, Blue was “the purest emotional record that I will ever make in my life… there’s hardly a dishonest note in the vocals.”
Over the past 20 years Katie has proven herself one of Australia’s most hardworking, versatile and prolific artists. Named one of the greatest Australian singers of all time by the Herald Sun, Katie has produced 20 studio albums throughout her career, with seven times platinum record sales under her belt and 27 ARIA award nominations that span diverse genres.
Listen to the interview below where we catch-up with Katie and discuss the upcoming show.
Sure to please not only Joni fans but lovers of music and poetry alike, this concert will be a spine-tingling evening you won’t want to miss.
See the show on Saturday 7 January at the Palais Geelong – Tickets here
Melbourne (and Geelong’s) Bella Deer has just launched her new single Bloom which explores her impressive range as a vocalist and vision as a songwriter. Written a couple of years ago just prior to the...
The globally recognised late-night spectacle of culture, art and music, White Night, is set to bring the city streets alive across Geelong this weekend. White Night Geelong set to bring every corner of the city’s...
Following sell-out seasons at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne and theatres across the country, Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll is back and bigger and better than ever. First debuting in 1993 with humble beginnings at an...
Local horticulturalist and mushroom spore artist, Gustav Fischer, talks to us on KickArts about his amazing artworks created with the help of wild mushrooms. Gustav forages for specific wild mushrooms and works with them to...
Filmed and produced entirely in the Geelong region, Crow Valley, has it’s Australian release this month. Mountain biker Benny Jones sets off on a weekend ride to remote Crow Valley but is knocked off his...
The 2022 Geelong Contemporary Art Prize is a signature event that showcases the diversity and excellence of Australian contemporary painting practice. Through these prizes, staged since 1938, the Gallery has amassed an exceptional representation of Australian paintings...
The 2022 Surf Coast Arts Trail gives us the opportunity, once more, to discover the work of the Surf Coast’s thriving arts community. The easing of COVID-19 restrictions will allow us to meet artists in person...
Amber Mic & Beav’s Bar is hosting a series of original live music Sunday Sessions at Beav’s Bar funded & supported by Creative Victoria. This event will see 3 Geelong/Surf Coast singer/songwriters performing live original...
Making a very special world premiere debut from June 21-25 as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s Our Season 2022, Mountain is a not-to-be-missed new work created by Kit Brookman and longstanding friend of Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong...
The Potato Shed is the exclusive Bellarine venue 8pm Saturday 7 May for the world premiere of Late, Late at Night, a stage adaptation of Rick Springfield’s compelling memoir written by Melbourne-based playwright Kieran Carroll....
The inaugural Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival kicks-off on Saturday 9 April at 4pm through till 9pm at Ocean Grove Park. The Pavilion will be the backdrop for a great line-up of acoustic music acts. The...
Australian artist Sally Smart has opened her new P.A.R.A.D.E. exhibition at Geelong Gallery. P.A.R.A.D.E. is the second work in Sally Smart’s trilogy in which she explores and contemporises the historical avant-garde performances and designs of the...
Live theatre is back at the Palais Theatre in Geelong with Footlight Productions performances of Chicago. Opening Friday 25 March and running till 9 April this is the first time the theatre company has brought...
Geelong Author, Rhett Davis, joins us on this week’s show and podcast to talk about his new book Hovering. After winning the 2020 Victorian Premier’s Award for an unpublished manuscript, Rhett has found that the...
Aussie rock legend Jon Stevens caught up with us on KickArts to talk about the new show The Noiseworks and INXS collection. We talked about life in a very successful Aussie rock band in the...
The North Bellarine Film Festival makes a welcome return to the Potato Shed in Drysdale on the weekend of Friday 25 and Saturday 26 of February. On this week’s show we catch-up with festival chair...
Geelong singer/songwriter Izzy Losi has a fantastic story to tell about life as a professional musician. Just prior to the pandemic Izzy was talking to record labels about contracts, was working with Eskimo Joe guitarist...
The Palais Theatre will come to life on Saturday 22 January 2022 with pro wrestling’s Death Match Down Under. This could be the biggest wrestling show Geelong has ever seen with a huge line-up of...
Award-winning arts company indirect Object (recipients of Geelong’s Arts Industry Commission) invite you to immerse yourself in a garden of recycled delights as they unveil the North Geelong Community Lantern Trail from Saturday 13 November...
In the Gallery’s 125th anniversary year, this exhibition celebrates the first major work to enter the collection in 1900: Frederick McCubbin’s A bush burial (1890).
The painting was purchased with funds raised through a donation drive at the turn of the 20th century and the purchase kicked-off the amazing collection Geelong Gallery has today.
Possibly the gallery’s most iconic piece, A bush burial, is just one of many iconic McCubbin works that feature in this current exhibition. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see so many of his works in the gallery as they have been loaned from national and state institutions, regional Victorian galleries and other private collections for a short time. The exhibition runs till February 2022.
The exhibition title, Frederick McCubbin—Whisperings in wattle, acknowledges the inspiration McCubbin took from the poetry of Adam Lindsay Gordon, the unique beauty of the Australian bush and the rich stories that emerge from it.
This in-focus exhibition will also include portraits by McCubbin of some of the subjects—often family and friends—that populate his enduring great narrative pictures.
We caught up with Geelong Gallery senior curator, Lisa Sullivan, to talk about the exhibition and the man himself….Frederick McCubbin. Listen to the full interview below.
We even recalled the 1980s Kit Kat commercial that featured the McCubbin painting On the Wallaby Track – you can watch the ad below.
Image:
Frederick McCubbin
A bush burial 1890
oil on canvas
Geelong Gallery
Purchased by public subscription, 1900
Photographer: Andrew Curtis
Five years in the making and an odyssey in its creation, artist Marco Luccio presents Tales from The Greek art exhibition and book launch at fortyfivedownstairs.
This exhibition will be one of the biggest in scale and ambition in over thirty years of Luccio’s international art career. It features large canvasses, found objects, drypoints, etchings, charcoal drawings, collagraphs, ink, mixed media, pencil and monotypes.
Tales from The Greek will also feature a collaboration between Luccio and award-winning author John Hughes. After their 2013 critically acclaimed collaboration, The Garden of Sorrows, the pair have come together again for this stunning collection of eight narrative adaptations of Greek myths and tragedies.
Photo: Han Ginger
TALES FROM THE GREEK
Myth, Beauty and Brutality
9 November – 4 December 2021
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne fortyfivedownstairs.com/
Opening night: 19 November 5:00-8:00pm
Myth & Mayhem-artist and author panel discussion: 20 November 11:30am-1:00pm
Making the Greek Tales-artist talk: 27 November 11:30-1:00pm
The 13th A Night of Horror Film Festival launches today with two weeks of great horror films on offer to festival goers in the lead-up to Halloween.
This year the festival is an online only affair.
If you’re up for a scare you can grab yourself a pass at their website here.
A Night of Horror Film Festival director and programmer, Bryn Tilly, spoke with us on KickArts about the range of films showing and what to expect.
Main photo: Graham Cordery
On this episode of KickArts we catch up with Rob Tripolino, artistic director of the Palais Theatre Geelong and creator of the Palais Memory Project.
Many residents of Geelong have memories of seeing bands like INXS and Motorhead play live at the Palais Theatre. Many will remember dance nights in the 1950s or playing bingo in the 1990s.
Rob and his team are asking for anyone who remembers their time at the Palais Theatre to get-in-touch and share their story as they document the history of this Geelong icon.
If you have a memory of the Palais Theatre then visit this website and share with the team – https://www.palaisgeelong.com/
To listen to the full interview about the project as well as hear about the future of the theatre then listen to the full podcast below.