The month-long festival will be officially opened by Jennifer Bott AO, Chair of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Chair of the Bundanon Trust and Artistic Director of the Canberra Writers Festival.

“We’re absolutely thrilled Jennifer has agreed to join us for the opening of this year’s program,” said Council’s Cultural Development Officer Jenny Kena.

Council’s cultural development officer Jenny Kena said council was thrilled to have Jennifer open the program.

“Jennifer is one of our country’s leading voices in the arts community.”

Held throughout the entire month of November, the Festival will showcase a range of exhibitions, workshops and musical and theatrical performances.

“The highlight of the Festival is the Art Studio Trail which this year will feature over 50 Highland artists across 40 studios,” Ms Kena added.

Mediums on display over the trail will include traditional and contemporary painting, printmaking, etching, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, bookbinding, photography, sculpture, printmaking and jewellery.

The Southern Highlands Art Studio Trail will be held over the weekends of 3 - 4 November and 10 - 11 November from 10am to 5pm.

“The trail really is a fabulous opportunity to watch artists at work and buy direct from the maker,” Ms Kena said.

For more information on the Southern Highlands Arts Festival including a full program of events, participating studios and the Art Studio Trail map, visit www.shaf.com.au or pick up a hard copy at Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre, the Mittagong Welcome Centre or Council Libraries.

The Southern Highlands Arts Festival will be launched by Jennifer Bott AO on Friday 26 October at 5pm at the new Round Yard Exhibition Space in Retford Park.

Retford Park is located at 1325 Old South Road, Bowral.

All are welcome to attend the launch but RSVP’s by 22 October are essential.

To RSVP email Jenny Kena at jenny.kena@wsc.nsw.gov.au or phone on 4868 0855.