A month of festivities will be held in Mandurah starting September 6 for the Mandurah Arts Festival 2024, celebrating the city’s vibrant and exciting arts scene as well as great national talent.
From more large-scale murals and comedy nights to children’s entertainment and epic performances, the Mandurah Arts Festival will be an extraordinary celebration of a variety of artforms and something for all to enjoy.
Mayor Rhys Williams said the Mandurah Arts Festival was one of the main event highlights of the City’s new Arts and Culture Strategy, which aims to support and promote Mandurah’s diverse arts community and celebrate art as a way of expressing a sense of place.
“We are so fortunate to have an extremely talented and highly engaged artistic community in Mandurah. All the people, projects and incredible artistic pursuits further cement Mandurah’s position as a city of art and culture,” Mayor Williams said.
“The festival’s diverse program has something for everyone, and I hope people take the opportunity to come to Mandurah to see the amazing local talent we have here, as well as enjoy some great acts from performers and artists from around the country.”
From Friday, September 6 to Sunday, October 6, there is a huge line-up of captivating events, immersive cultural experiences, workshops, exhibitions and activities being held around the city, showcasing talents and transforming Mandurah into a lively creative hub.
Two murals will be created on the columns and walls underneath the Mandurah Bridge during the festival. WA-based artists Nicola Cowie and Kat Ferguson will design and paint the bridge’s support columns on the Eastern Foreshore, while Tasmanian-based WA artist, Mel ‘Melski’ McVee will transform the walls beneath the bridge on the Western Foreshore. The artists will transform these blank spaces into stunning works of art responding to the surrounding built and natural environment.
One event kicking off the festivities is the Headliners Comedy Gala at Peel Thunder Football Club on September 6, featuring a selection of headlining comedians throughout the evening.
Incredible local, national and international artists will be featured throughout the festival as part of the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival, Australia’s largest outdoor painting event. Hundreds of artists will bring their canvases to life against the picturesque backdrop of Mandurah’s waterways and landscapes. Plein Air festivities start across the city on September 17, with the September 21-23 weekend providing a range of activities for the whole family.
Other highlights include the Dark Corners walking tour, events from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, AWESOME Festival, West Australian Ballet, West Australian Opera, and World Music Cafe - a dinner show featuring swing classics with Eastern flavour from Sino Swing and contemporary South African band Mahali.
A major highlight of the festival will be Music Under the Bridge on October 5, featuring the renowned Perth Symphony Orchestra performing underneath the Mandurah Bridge at Hall Park. Enjoy an evening of incredible music as the 12-piece live band plays swinging tunes from the Big Band era and reimagined modern music. The orchestra will be joined by community singers for select songs as part of the Perth Symphony Singers program, plus Lifespan Dance will present a seated dance performance, Whorl.
For more information, including the festival program and ticketing details, go to mandurahartsfestival.com.au
