It will feature music, story and art inspired by the south-west’s volcanic plains. 

It includes an exhibition of postcard-sized art and musical works inspired by the volcanic landscape.

The festival is a project of the Mount Elephant Community Management. The volcanic mountain was bought in 2000 by the local community in partnership with Trust for Nature.   

Project coordinator Val Lang said six composers were commissioned to write music for the festival and the works will be performed at the event.

“They range from Jamie Marloo Thomas with a local indigenous perspective to Stefan Hakenburg who has international composition to his credit,” Ms Lang said. 

The Colac area inspired Holy Caldwell to compose ‘Red Rock’ to be performed by a string quartet and Dindy Vaughan to compose ‘Lake Colac’ and also ‘Lake Elingamite,’ both to be played by the wind quintet. Mount Elephant and flowing Magma inspired additional works. 

The festival will also include a forum on regional volcanic issues with speakers including Dr Ruth Pullin, researcher and curator, on the 1850s artist Eugene van Guerard’s fascination with the volcanic plains.

Tim Hill, the manager of Tiverton, Dundonnell, will also speak at the forum about re-establishing flora and fauna from the time before white settlement. 

Mount Elephant Community Management president Geoff Henderson said Derrinallum College students had worked for two terms with Toni Main, artist in residence, to interpret the community history of Mount Elephant.

“They will add to the show with their performance,” Mr Henderson said. 

For the program and tickets visit www.mountelephant.com.au or www.wakingthegiants.weebly.com