Fusion 72

Fusion is a local organization that aims to bring people of different nationalities together in the district.   During 1972 an innovative festival of the arts - the first - was held in Wollongong entitled Fusion 72 . The chief instigator was John Richardson, editor of the Illawarra Mercury , whilst young art student David Humphries was heavily involved in creation of the program as Artistic Director. The festival followed on the work of a group of local artists and school students the previous year, including Michael and Mary Callaghan, Philip Batty, Russel Mulcahy and Humphries. They had come together through the local branch of the WEA (Workers Education Association). All would eventually leave the district and go on to significant careers in the arts, both nationally and internationally. Mary Callaghan became a screen printer and film maker; her brother Michael helped set up Redback Graphics and was a master screen printer; Philip Batty worked with the Melbourne Museum; Russel Mulca