Get ready for an epic dose of artistic flair, creative experiences, moving performances and everything in between as the much-loved Mandurah Arts Festival makes its return this Spring.
The festival is back with a bang for 2023 with a new format and follows the enormous success of the Giants of Mandurah exhibition, and the introduction of a new Arts and Culture Strategy for the City of Mandurah.
Mayor Rhys Williams said the City was heading in an exciting new direction for arts and culture, which would be reflected in the month-long Mandurah Arts Festival.
“Our community has been at the forefront in creating an exciting new direction for arts and culture in Mandurah that is not about any one feature event, but rather a tapestry of enriching and unexpected opportunities that forge connections, enrich lives and attract visitors,” Mayor Williams said.
“We kicked-off this new approach with the awesome Giants of Mandurah exhibition, which has well and truly cemented Mandurah’s position as a city of art and culture and has set the tone for how we want to grow into the future.
“The Giants have surpassed our wildest expectations in terms of tourism, visitation and how the community has embraced them as part of Mandurah’s story.
“Building on the incredible momentum created by the Giants, this year’s Mandurah Arts Festival further celebrates local arts, culture and creativity and encourages locals and visitors to take in those unexpected moments of awe, wonder and joy.”
The festival will be held from 22 September to 22 October with a huge line-up of captivating events, workshops, exhibitions and activities, including two murals that will be created during the festival.
One of the events to kick-off the festivities is the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival, Western Australia’s largest outdoor painting event. Witness local and international artists bring their canvases to life against the picturesque backdrop of Mandurah’s waterways and landscapes. More than 200 artists, including internationally renowned artists from Australia, India, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, will be painting throughout Mandurah’s city centre, cultural precinct and Pinjarra.
A major highlight of the festival will be the Music Under the Bridge event on 21 October featuring the renowned West Australian Opera performing underneath the Mandurah Bridge at Hall Park. The afternoon kicks off at 2pm with contemporary live music curated by Chop Street Music, and the ‘Flock’ community art installation facilitated by Elli Moody, followed by an electrifying performance by West Australian Opera. Think re-imagined hit songs, opera classics and musical theatre gems. This unmissable afternoon promises to be a fitting end to the month-long celebration.
The program also includes a comedy gala, children’s performances, theatre, sound art, exhibitions, community concerts, speed dating art and workshops galore. For more information, including the festival program and ticketing details, go to mandurahartsfestival.com.au
