Registrations are about to close for art at the heart, Regional Arts Australia’s sixth national conference to be held in Alice Springs from 3 to 5 October.

People have until next Monday, 15 September to go on-line and submit their registration form, says the President of Regional Arts Australia, Suzie Haslehurst.

Already our numbers have reached the 800 mark “ this is going to be our largest conference ever, she said.

People are very excited about heading to the centre of Australia for this conference. The program is exceptional “ a genuine blend of festival, art and conference.

Indigenous culture, the challenges and opportunities for artists in regional Australia, and a diverse artistic program will form the core of this conference.

Many of the events such as the opening ceremony and conference dinner take place in the outside air, giving delegates an intimate feel for the spectacular natural landscape of Alice Springs, says Ms Haslehurst.

Conference coordinator and artistic director, Kieren Sanderson, says the conference and the opening ceremony are just for conference delegates, but there will also be plenty of public events for everyone.

From Imagine Alice which will bring the town alive with strange and wonderful artworks, to the award winning performance Ngapartji Ngapartji and the Togart Contemporary Art Award being held here for the first time, everyone will have the chance to enjoy great art, Ms Sanderson says.

Ms Sanderson urged anyone still intending to register or wanting to find out about public events to go to www.artattheheart.com.au

Conference enquiries: Nicky Schonkala 08 8951 1152

Media enquiries: Vivienne Skinner 0411 206 224