New Country Arts SA Show Will Give Audiences First Look Inside Mount Gambier’s Refurbished Varcoe Foundry
If you’ve been wondering what’s happening behind the doors of Mount Gambier’s historic Varcoe Foundry, you’ll soon get the chance to see for yourself.
The newly refurbished arts space will officially welcome its first audience on August 1 when it hosts Stories in Song, the first iteration of Country Arts SA’s new live music series, Soundworks.
The Mount Gambier performance forms part of the inaugural Soundworks tour, which will travel through seven regional South Australian communities, bringing original live music to audiences that don’t often get the chance to experience it.
Meet The Artists Behind Soundworks: Stories In Song
Taking centre stage throughout the tour is Arabana-Yawuru singer-songwriter Nathan May, joined by acclaimed violinist Julian Ferraretto.
Nathan’s music explores family, Country, identity and belonging, with each performance designed to create a close connection with the audience.
Opening each show is Ngarrindjeri-Gunditjmara singer-songwriter Katie Aspel.
Country Arts SA Executive Programmer Sarah Knight said the Soundworks series was created to help bring more original live music back to regional communities.
“Country Arts wanted to respond in a practical way, not a one-off event, but a touring model that shares risk and allows artists to spend more time on the road,” she said.
“It brings live music into local spaces and gives people the chance to experience it together, close to home.”
Nathan May said audiences could expect an honest and welcoming evening.
“People can expect a really honest and intimate night of music. There’ll be moments that feel reflective and emotional, but also warmth, connection and a few laughs along the way.”
A New Chapter For A Historic Building
Located alongside the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, the heritage-listed Varcoe Foundry has long been used as a creative space, but recent upgrades have transformed the former windmill factory into a purpose-built venue for artists and audiences.
The redevelopment includes a new black box performance space, green room, backstage facilities, reception and bar area, offices, upgraded amenities and climate control.
The flexible venue will accommodate up to 100 people and host intimate music, theatre, dance and cabaret performances, along with community events, workshops and artist residencies.
Country Arts SA chief executive Anthony Peluso said the refurbished venue would continue building on the Foundry’s long creative history.
“Significant work has been created at Varcoe Foundry that has toured nationally and internationally, won Ruby Awards and contributed to the cultural fabric of Mount Gambier,” he said.
“Varcoe Foundry is respected, loved and valued. We seek to continue and build this legacy.”
The venue will also support Music SA’s Regional and Remote Music Summit later this year.
Tour Dates
Soundworks: Stories in Song will visit:
• Robe, July 31
• Mount Gambier, August 1
• Warooka, August 6
• Port Lincoln, August 8
• Renmark, October 23
• Whyalla, October 30
• Port Pirie, October 31
Tickets and more information are available through Country Arts SA.
Want to see what else Country Arts SA has coming up? Check out more events happening across regional South Australia
