Once upon a time that phrase was thought of as being a consequence of living in the tropics - especially for those from other, milder climates of the world.

People would go a little "strange", their social structures, dress standards and conduct would relax a little...and restrictions would fall away as they embraced the "joie de vivre" that was their new, daily life.

Today in tropical Australia we enjoy all the modern amenities that go with a progressive society.

But there is no denying that, almost from the moment that one steps off the aircraft in Cairns, Darwin or Kununurra, that difference in tempo begins to relax us with every breath of warm, humid air.

So it is that artists thrive in this atmosphere of relaxed, friendly and casual existence. The unconventional is tolerated and creativity actively encouraged.

This encouragement extends to various levels of government, business and philanthropy, which may provide competitive funding opportunities for individuals and groups to develop their visions.

Go Troppo Arts Festival is a community event.

It seeks to include all artists and artforms of the region...music, theatre, writing, film, visual art, dance, sculpture and craft...in a celebration about life and art in the Australian tropics.

The inaugural Go Troppo Arts Festival was held in October, 2008 and was a run-away success.

Fifteen events contributed to the fun and entertainment, proving that the arts are well-and-truly alive in the tropics.

In 2009 there is an exciting calendar of events, with never a dull moment for participants or spectators.

Running from 2 - 11 October the arts festival aims to deliver an experience to locals and visitors that they could not find elsewhere.

A new development is a series of "hands-on" workshops in unique locations, where you might learn to build a life-sized portrait in clay, take part in a life drawing/ myth-making session near a rainforest creek or explore the wonderful colours of the Savannah in oil paints.

So - grab a bargain-priced accommodation package and "go troppo" with us!

                        
                      
                           

    

     


We are very grateful to Queensland Events Regional Development Programme, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette, Radio Port Douglas, The Cairns Post, Tourism Port Douglas and 4CA radio for their assistance in promoting the Go Troppo Arts Festival in 2009.

Queensland Events has assisted with financial support to market the festival and to develop a group of volunteers, the Friends of the Festival, whose role is critical to the success of the festival.

Financial support for arts workshops, a play and an exhibition has come from The Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between Cairns Regional Council and Arts Queensland as well as from the Regional Arts Fund, which has provided for many of the expenses associated with our Artists-in-Residence programme this year.

We are grateful for the financial support of Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Chroma Australia and our growing band of philanthropists, particularly Ms Gail Hirst, without whose generous assistance last year this multi-arts festival could not have happened.