Get hands-on with heritage workshops at Galvanized festival
29 August 2022
Metalsmithing workshops, how to care for historical documents and didgeridoo making with skilled First Nations craftspeople are part of Galvanized festival’s hands-on program that kicks off this week.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage will be a fantastic opportunity for people to try their hand at various smithing practices and craft their own iconic instrument.
“Galvanized’s smithing workshops at The Workshops Rail Museum will give participants an opportunity to get their hands dirty and make something special to take home,” Mayor Harding said.
“The blacksmithing workshop will demonstrate drawing, upsetting, squaring, rounding, riveting and barley twisting, while the metalsmithing workshop will cover how to design and fabricate jewellery.
“Open to men and boys of all ages, the Cultural Workshops will start with a hollowed tree trunk before attendees learn how to shape, sand, decorate and then play their own didgeridoos.
“The didgeridoo is a very special instrument that produces a range of unique sounds and will be authentically crafted out of fallen eucalyptus trees naturally hollowed out by termites.”
Running from the 1 to 11 September in venues and spaces across Ipswich, the second annual Galvanized festival will bring council and community groups together to showcase the city’s rich history including special open days, tours, demonstrations, workshops and shows.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said there will also be workshops to help amateur historians better prepare and care for their historical documents.
“Preserving Your Family Papers will teach care methods for family history documents including handling, storage and digitisation for letters, diaries, certificates, maps and more,” Cr Jonic said.
“Presented by one of Australia’s most experienced conservators, the Caring for Your Historical Photographs workshop will identify key historic photographic processes and practical ways to care for your collections.
“There are more than 30 events and activities running across 11 days and nights part of the festival’s program, with many free or low cost for history buffs and families to enjoy.
“I encourage families and friends to explore the program and step back in time to experience enduring fashion, traditions and buildings that defined past generations that called Ipswich home.”
Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage delivers a wide variety of events across 11 days. The full festival program and ticketing information is available at Galvanizedipswich.com.au
Galvanized is delivered through the support of the following partners:
Presenting Partners: Ipswich City Council, McNamara Law
Festival Partners: Cooneana Heritage Centre, Historical Motor Cycle Club of Queensland, Ipswich Genealogical Society, Ipswich Historical Society, Ipswich Libraries, Ipswich Mini Crafters, Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, Ipswich Visitors Information Centre, Lost Ipswich, Nicholas Street Precinct, Picture Ipswich, Queensland Metal Artisans Collective, Queensland Museum Network, The Workshops Rail Museum, Didgeridoo Festivals, Elliott Bledsoe, Ghost Tours Australia, Ipswich Catholic Community, Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Troupe, Queensland Colonial Association Inc. Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artisans of Ipswich Inc. St Paul’s Anglican Church, The Pumpyard Brewery.