Science in the spotlight at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival

7-10 June 2024

It’s just over a week until the Woodend Winter Arts Festival fills the intimate venues within Woodend for four days of world-class musical performances and lively discussions.

We are very excited about how strongly tickets are selling. So please don’t leave it until the last minute to secure your tickets.

An exciting new addition to the Festival this year is the introduction of science-themed discussions within our popular Words & Ideas program. We have some of Australia’s brightest thinkers discussing themes such as the rise of AI, understanding the importance of scientific methods in the 21^st century and the story of creation from a scientific point of view. 

Keep reading below to discover more about these fascinating events. You can also check out the full four-day program online. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast.

Consciousness: Testing theories of consciousness

As machines increasingly match the capabilities of humans, it’s never been more challenging to describe the nature of consciousness. It’s an enterprise which now involves philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists and engineers. Leading science journalist and author, Elizabeth Finkel will be joined by Jakob Hohwy, Dr Nao Tsuchiya, Olivia Carter and Adeel Razi – all globally recognized leaders in this field to discuss this fascinating and ever-so-relevant topic.

When: Saturday 8 June at 10:30am
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

Proof

In the 17th century, the scientific revolution gave us a solid foundation for how to build knowledge. Elizabeth Finkel’s book ‘Proof’ reveals the scientific method in action in the 21st century. She tells six compelling stories of how big theories, from Einstein’s general relativity to theories of consciousness, are currently being put to the test. Finkel’s message is that there has never been a more important moment for the public to learn about the scientific method.

When: Saturday 8 June at 1pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

Sex, Science & Singing

Join evolutionary geneticist and singer Professor Jenny Graves as she is interviewed by ABC Science Show personality Robyn Williams. Expect a fun and engaging discussion that covers Jenny’s career sorting out the genes and chromosomes that determine sex, along with one of her most recent projects – writing and performing a musical composition that tells the story of creation from a scientific point of view.

When: Monday 10 June at 10:00am
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

BOOK YOUR STAY 

Have you booked your accommodation yet? There are plenty of options to choose from either in Woodend or the wider Macedon Ranges region. From historic homesteads and stylish retreats to cosy B&Bs and classic hotels, the choice is yours.

A big thank you to our amazing sponsors, it is thanks to their generous support that we are able to put on an event of such high calibre each year. Ours sponsors include The Peggy & Leslie Cranbourne Foundation, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Vera Moore Foundation, Cope Williams, Midland Express, Bendigo Bank (both Gisborne & District and Trentham & District), St Ambrose Parish Woodend, Holgate Brewhouse, Keatings Real Estate and Islay House. 

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.