Perth Festival

This is why we’re all in. Stunning words from one of our community members who experienced Karla Bidi this past Festival.

Created by First Nations artists Ilona McGuire, Jacob Nash, Chloe Ogilvie and Ian Moopa Wilkes, under the guidance of Noongar Elders including Vivienne 'Binyarn' Hansen, 'Karla Bidi' is a powerful and poetic installation transforming the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River and Djarlgarro/Canning River into a glowing pathway of 11 beacons stretching from Walyalup to Mandoon.

The photos and reflection above is about our Kaarta Gar-Up Lookout site in Kings Park. A vital meeting place, ceremonial ground, and source of identity, providing traditional custodians with shelter, bush medicine, and sustenance.

Reconciliation Week isn't just about one week of the year, it's a continuous journey and at Perth Festival we're all in.

Attention artists! Performing Lines WA is thrilled to announce the return of our residential Kolyang Artist Lab, a four-day program supporting artists to develop project ideas and expand their practice.

Facilitated by Sandi Woo the Lab brings together nine artists working across live performance and this year, the Lab will host seven WA artists and two Indonesian artists.

📅 EOIs close Sun 24 May
Lab takes pleace from 30 Jul – 2 Aug
Open to all artists at any stage in their career
Apply now via the link below
https://performinglines.org.au/initiatives/kolyang-program-2026/

Reflecting, celebrating, and looking ahead! 💛

We recently hosted our 2026 Thank You Event to acknowledge the vital contributions of our sponsors and donors.

From the industrial heights of the East Perth Power Station to the vibrant energy at The Embassy, the 2026 Festival resonated across Boorloo in ways we couldn’t have imagined. It was a joy to have our new CEO, Marah Braye, join Artistic Director Anna Reece and Board Chair Ben Wyatt in thanking the supporters whose generosity powers these world-class experiences and brings our vision to life.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and to all those who helped shape this year's celebration. The impact of your support continues to resonate throughout our community.

We would also like to thank the team at Otherside Brewing Co. for hosting us in such a fantastic space at Otherside of Nowhere!

It's time to shine a light on just a few of the wonderful people that help us keep the Festival running. National Volunteer Week is here and we spoke to a few of the friendly faces who greet you at our events.

👋 https://www.perthfestival.com.au/news-stories/2026/volunteer-spotlight
If you'd like to volunteer check out the link and email us.

After a huge sell out premiere during our recent film season 'Birthright' is coming to a cinema near you!
This outrageous and hilarious comedic thriller was shot in WA and written and directed by Perth's Zoe Pepper.

Check out the exclusive Q&A sessions at Palace Cinemas happening 19 & 21 May.
https://lunapalace.com.au/events/birthright-qa-director--screening
Madman Films

Drum roll please ... announcing the Lotterywest Films Audience Choice Award 🏆 the heart-warming coming of age tale 'DJ Ahmet' with 'The Secret Agent' coming a very close second.

If you missed DJ Ahmet at Somerville, then you’re in luck! See it in select cinemas from 7 May.

Thanks to all the brilliant audiences that came to sit under the stars with us. We’ll see you next season.

Lotterywest Madman Films

Missed out on Åkervinda's enchanting performance at Perth Festival 2026? Then we highly recommend giving their ethereal arrangements a listen asap. 🍂

Åkervinda explore the mysticism, beauty, and rawness of Nordic folk songs. On stage and through their music they offer a space for reflection and connection — a sonic remedy for the heaviness of the world, where ancient melodies become timeless expressions of the human experience.

Fun fact: they are named for a Swedish wildflower whose roots seeped far and wide underground.

Photos by

We’re very excited to share that Jaha Koo, creator of the wonderful work ‘Haribo Kimchi’ (Perth Festival 2026) has won the International Ibsen Award for ‘his innovative and deeply human theatre.’ 💛

This prestigious award is the world’s largest theatre prize and often referred to as the Nobel Prize of theatre.

‘I see this prize not only as a recognition of my own work, but also of all artists who move beyond what is traditionally considered theatre, and who create works for people who may not previously have felt addressed.’ Jaha Koo

We’re so happy we were able to bring Koo’s incredible work to Perth audiences!

Read more here https://internationalibsenaward.com/winners/jaha-koo
Nationaltheatret

Unfortunately, the screening of 'The Rivals of Amziah King' is cancelled tonight Fri 27 Mar due to severe weather. All ticket holders will be automatically refunded.

We're working in the background to investigate alternative dates and options for screening the film, but we're unable to confirm at this stage whether it's possible, given the current season ends this Sun 29 Mar. We'll announce via our platforms if we have an update.

Featured in The Guardian, Brad Rimmer’s Wheatbelt series captures the layered histories held within these halls - intimate, atmospheric and deeply rooted in community.

Explore the gallery here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2026/mar/09/brad-rimmer-photography-australia-wheatbelt

'Loom of the Land' is on display until 19 April at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre

Matthew McConaughey closes out Lotterywest Films in The Rivals of Amziah King.

When a charismatic beekeeper is reunited with his former foster daughter, a chance to reconnect quickly turns complicated. A charming crime caper with heart, shaped by community, legacy and survival.

Our final film under the stars - don’t miss it.

The Rivals of Amziah King
23 – 29 March, 7.30pm
Lotterywest Films
🎟️ Tickets available here: https://www.perthfestival.com.au/program/season-2026/the-rivals-of-amziah-king

The University of Western Australia Lotterywest