Horizon Festival has once again been named one of the best events in the nation after being selected as a finalist in the 2019 Australian Event Awards.
The 2018 Horizon Festival was shortlisted in the ‘Best Regional Event’ category with winners of the Australian Event Awards to be announced at an awards ceremony on September 18, 2019.
The 2018 festival program incorporated 168 free and ticketed performances and activities, delivered in more than 30 localities by 700 local, out-of-region and leading creative and cultural workers and artists.
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the festival had captured the imagination of audiences and the attention of the events industry across Australia.
“Last year’s Horizon program was jam-packed with arts experiences that connected, inspired, disrupted and delighted our audiences,” Cr Baberowski said.
“Being named a national finalist this year, after also winning an award in 2018, is an impressive achievement for a young festival that only began in 2016.
“What the festival now means to our community, our arts industry, cultural tourism and local businesses is outstanding and I wish the team all the best for the upcoming Awards announcement.”
Festival Director Zohar Spatz said a strong vision for the festival and passionate artists had helped to produce the award-winning formula.
“Our aim for the festival was to build upon the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty by focussing our creative vision on innovation, art and technology and art in place,” Ms Spatz said.
“I’m so proud to have led this inspirational team of artists, producers, creatives and festival staff and this award nomination is a fitting recognition of our hard work.”
Following a rigorous first round of judging by event industry leaders and experts around Australia, Horizon Festival’s place amongst the National Finalists has the weight of the industry behind it.
Entries are judged on all aspects of event management including best practice, innovation, marketing, stakeholder engagement and management, sustainability and event legacy.
Co-chair of the Event Awards Judging Panel Brenda LaPorte said the Australian Events Industry was truly inspirational.
“From small events that draw together communities in regional towns to events that deliver marketing benefits to some of the biggest brands in the world, the finalists in this year’s awards have made a massive contribution socially, economically and environmentally to the fabric of our country,” Ms LaPorte said.
“They are all to be congratulated for their achievements in making finalist and for making the job of the judging panel so very difficult in selecting the winner in each category.”
If you haven’t experienced Horizon Festival yet, make sure you come along to this year’s festival from August 23 – September 1.
Visit www.horizonfestival.com.au to see the incredible line-up of events on offer in 2019.
Image: Horizon Festival 2018, Soundwave, Shannon Carroll. Photo ben vos productions.
