STOMP-ING IN NEW DIRECTION

Newcastle’s Cultural STOMP Festival has a new director for 2010.

Maureen O’Brien was appointed in November as Festival Director and has wasted no time in getting started. She has set the date for Cultural Stomp to be held on Saturday 1st May 2010 and has scheduled the first general meeting in December.

The new director’s vision for Cultural Stomp is clear and simple. “We now have a rich, diverse culture in the Newcastle and Hunter region and I want to see residents of this region participating and celebrating our cultural diversity” she says

“Novocastrians have a reputation for being warm and welcoming to newcomers. It is beneath the dignity and big heart of our community to see the instances of racial violence as we’ve seen lately. Cultural Stomp provides a perfect opportunity for everyone in the region to show their humanity, their tolerance and their support.”

O’Brien has a number of initiatives to offer festival-goers in 2010 and guests will have the opportunity to learn about other cultures, to participate in hands-on activities, and to enjoy the variety of flavours and entertainment which will be available on the day.

Cultural Stomp is supported by the Newcastle arts and media organisation Octapod as well as Newcastle City Council. Anyone who is interested in getting involved in the festival can be a volunteer and simply needs to register their interest by emailing: stomp.newcastle@gmail.com