Celebrating World-Renowned Artists in Perth

Tickets are now available for the world-class Perth International Arts Festival 2015 (PIAF), which was officially launched last week.

More than 1000 of the world’s great artists will ‘transform and disrupt Perth’ during this summer’s cultural event, which will run from February 13 to March 7, 2015.

Founded in 1953 by the University of Western Australia, the Festival is now in its 63rd year, making it the longest running international arts festival in Australia.

‘Quintessentially Western Australian’

When a festival is described as ‘daring and unforgettable, diverse and enriching, innovative and profound,’ it sets expectations very high. But organisers are confident of delivering.

Artistic Director Jonathan Holloway said: “No two Festival journeys will be the same and our hope is that your travels through this Festival will include experiences both intimate and epic. Experiences that whet the appetite and stimulate all five senses.”

A Moving Program with Something for Everyone

The $22.4 million Festival takes art to the people, with the Chevron Festival Gardens acting as the exciting festival hub, with eventsspilling across unique venues and outdoor spaces.

The program incorporates the following:

Free and spectacular events
Opera and dance
Theatre and circus
Classical music
Contemporary music
Visual Arts
The Perth Writer’s Festival (19-22 Feb)
Great Southern Festival
Lotterywest Festival Films (from 24 Nov)

Of the many outstanding events on offer, highlights include the English National Opera’s production of Madama Butterfly, the world operatic premiere of The Rabbits, singer-songwriters Sinead O’Connor and Rufus Wainwright, and a visual exhibition by Icelandic artist, Ragnar Kjartansson.

Perth’s Anzac Centenary Commemorations

A focus of this year’s Festival is the commemoration of the centenary year of the Gallipoli landing and the beginning of the Anzac tradition.

One of the Festival’s main attractions, which is inspired by the Anzac spirit, will be Royal de Luxe presenting The Incredible and Phenomenal Journey of the Giants to the Streets of Perth. Over three days, 11-metre tall giants will tour the city, taking inspiration from uniquely Western Australian stories.

Cinema Under the Stars

Newcomers to Perth are encouraged to enjoy a uniquely West Australian cinema experience, and catch an outdoor movie. The Lotterywest Festival Films kicks off on 24 November. Screenings are held at Somerville and ECU Joondalup Pines.

Six Australian premieres make up a selection of the best of World and Australian cinema.

One Million Visitors in Perth

Perth’s International Arts Festival is a quintessentially Western Australian experience and ‘a cultural feast for arts lovers of all ages and persuasions’ to enjoy.

With more than one million people expected to take to the streets to experience the city’s greatest collection of international art, you will need to book early for ticketed events.

Ticket bookings can be made online at perthfestival.com.au, at Ticketek outlets or by phoning (08) 6488 5555.

You can also download the free PerthFest app on your iphone for exclusive content in the Festival Brochure.