Open Cut x Festival Pitch
The idea
A year-long capacity-building program in the Latrobe Valley that culminates in a day-long arts festival in early 2027. The process is as important as the event: it builds skills, adaptive practices and community self-advocacy during the energy transition. We aim to reclaim iconic industrial spaces (e.g. the Yallourn open-cut edge or the former SEC Men’s Shed building) as sites of renewal, imagination and pride.
Working names: Open Cut Festival / Open Cut × Party in the Pit / Open Cut – Uncertain Future Festival
Why now
- The Valley is navigating rapid change; people need practical ways to build confidence, skills and connection.
- A community-led festival can shift the narrative: from extraction to creativity, innovation and future-making.
- Underpinning the work is a focus on environmental and First Nations justice.
Goals & Change
- Community building: strengthen local connections and identity during the energy transition.
- Capacity and skill building: equip locals with creative, organisational, and collaborative skills.
- Adaptive practices: help people consciously practice resilience and adaptation to change.
- Self-advocacy: foster a culture of confidence where Valley communities speak for their future.
- Narrative shift: reframe Latrobe Valley as a place of creativity, innovation, and future-making.
- Environmental and First Nations Justice: Underpinning the event is a focus on social justice.
What it could include
In the lead-up (2026): workshops and makers’ programs (e.g. reclaimed Hi-Vis bunting, found-instrument orchestra, DIY energy lab, costume/pageant making, community portrait studio, writing rooms, performance incubator, resilience and self-advocacy sessions, festival-skills 101), plus pop-up showcases and a small test event (“Night in the Shed” / “Edge Test Run”).
Festival day ( 2027): site-responsive installations and performances, Music in the Hole, Miss Morwell Pageant, ghost tours/stories, evening program, free food.
Scale: small–medium (approx. 200–500 people), family-friendly by day, more experimental at night.
Ways to partner
- Community & arts partners: co-deliver workshops, residencies and pop-ups; help build local participation.
- Industry & institutional partners: support access, safety and resources while respecting community leadership and helping to sponsor a project that builds capacity.
How to get in touch
This project is in early development.
Keen to explore a role as a delivery partner, host venue, sponsor or supporter?
