After five months of intensive programming, Shellharbour City Council’s Enliven event series is finishing up, officially closing an extensive range of art workshops, creative experiences and live music.

Devised as an artistic antidote to COVID-19, Enliven was designed to reconnect and uplift the Shellharbour community after the lockdown period.

The program was originally planned for three months, however, due to its overwhelming success, was extended to run up until Christmas.

With the NSW Government recently announcing an easing of restrictions for outdoor events, Shellharbour Council is looking forward to returning to its annual programming, commencing work on a detailed 2021 program of events and arts experiences for the whole community.

The Enliven event series has supported over 50 local artists and eight local venues that hosted 92 live music sets.

There were also over 40 creative learning workshops held at The Imaginarium and three exhibitions from local artists including The Young Village Artist Group, Kyle Coffee, Irina White and more to come.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that Enliven had helped reconnect the Shellharbour community in a way that was safe, fun and inclusive.

“Each year Council’s Event Calendar provides opportunities and experiences to bring the local community, businesses and visitors together in celebration of the City’s culture,” said Cr Saliba.

“The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in significant uncertainty around the ability to effectively plan for many large-scale community gatherings.

“Enliven was an innovative solution to ensure events could continue during different stages of Government restrictions. It has helped support local business and creative enterprise, as well as showcase the talents of our local creative community,” she said.

Enliven will finish up after Christmas. Check out what you can get involved in at www.enlivenshellharbour.com.

Media queries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008