The final events of the free Festival were broadcast at the end of September.

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Gunning Arts Festival chair Michelle Storey said, "we were delighted by, and a little surprised at, the participation in the online Festival."

The online audience reached tens of thousands of people, she said.

"Over 1000 people voted for artworks in the People's Choice award," Ms Storey said.

The committee has started planning for the online 2021 Festival and is cautiously hopeful that some face-to-face performances will go ahead.

Launching the festival is the Flash Write project, a 1500-word writing competition with the theme of rejuvenation.

"We are gathering a collection of short stories from people in the region," Ms Storey said.

"We hope to publish a selection of the stories online in the lead up to next year's Festival, as well as to perform readings of some of the stories at the Festival, and hopefully create a booklet collection of stories as well."

An online tutorial was held by Gunning author Greg Baines and is available to watch on the website.

Mr Baines said "Our stories are what make us who we are. We hope that this collection and publication will leave an enduring and entertaining legacy of our local community," said Mr Baines.

Submissions can be made from now until February 8, 2021.

The project is supported by BJCE Australia and the Upper Lachlan Shire Council.

For more information visit: gunningartsfestival.com.

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