Ararat was abuzz with activity during the 1920s and 30s and the city's dalliance with the grand architecture of this period can still be seen in the guise of the many Art Deco-styled buildings.

Ararat Rural City Council tourism and marketing manager, Shannon DiLisio said the city is one of more than 20 regional Victorian centres taking part in this weekend's festival.

Special activities in Ararat included screenings of the Art Deco film `The Fountain Head' at the Astor Cinema yesterday and again today at 1.15pm.

Ms Di Lisio said a map had also been produced for self-guided walks to view the Art Deco buildings listed with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

These could be collected from the Visitor Information Centre.

Art Deco was one of last century's most pervasive cultural movements, spanning from 1910 until 1939. The movement was at its height during the `Roaring 20s' and many of Ararat's buildings date back to this era, including the Astor Cinema and the Ararat Hotel.

"Architecture from this period was very distinctive for its elegant geometric designs

"We are very fortunate in Ararat to have so many wonderful examples of Art Deco architecture. In fact, Ararat is often regarded as being synonymous with the Art Deco movement, so it is very fitting that we take part in this regional festival,'' Ms DiLiso said.

The Art Deco festival and self-guided maps were officially launched at Ararat's Astor Theatre yesterday.

For more information about the Art Deco 2008 Regional Festival contact the Visitor Information Centre, 1800 657 158 or visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au or www.alphaville.com.au/artdeco.