Esem Projects have worked with Bathurst Regional Council since 2015 to program and deliver a series of illumination and projection programs that delight audiences and engage diverse communities. Now a highlight of the events calendar, each year sees a growth in awareness, participation, tourism, economic development, community engagement and business involvement.

Our programming approach for the Festival integrates a mix of curated creative outcomes as well as strong community engagement with local groups including schools, arts organisations and tertiary education. We're committed to ensuring the Festival acts as a platform for diverse community and creative talent, while also attracting audiences from across the region through entrancing and specular lighting and projection experiences.

A collaborative video installation which invited schools within the Region to colour in the building on their ipads of tablets and screen record it. Six students from Bathurst Academy of Music showcased their own written and recorded tracks to accompany the show. “It was fantastic kids so young were able to show the city what they could do. One of the students, Savannah Shackleton, whose work featured is only eight” Mickey Pye, Producer and owner at Bathurst Academy of Music.

The illumination project is an incredible way to engage with the local community and have them participate in the festival. The event has worked hard to continue to build community participation to increase the social cohesion of the festival.

“The Winter Festival is a really special part of Bathurst that forms a big part of the students’ lives each year. It was so exciting for the STEM Club to be part of something so significant to their town. Many of the girls were working from home for many weeks, so it was inspiring for them to be involved in a community project. The students created different 3D animations on the theme of “Connection”. Apart from that, they were allowed to make anything from their imagination” Michelle Lee, English and Geography teacher, Mackillop College.