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The Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) has unveiled a world-class program fit for arts lovers of all ages and persuasions, spreading across unique venues and spaces all around the city of Perth.

From 10 February to 5 March 2017, more than 700 of the planet’s most visionary artists will transform the city with over 180 events and create new pathways for us to see, understand and re-imagine our world.

This year PIAF welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to share in 11 Australian exclusives, five world premieres and a superb array of unforgettable artistic experiences.

PIAF Artistic Director Wendy Martin said the 2017 program will embed us into a deeper understanding of Western Australia’s beauty, fragility and its connection to a complex world.

“This has been the heartbeat of PIAF for more than six decades. In a world where we’re constantly communicating but not truly connecting, the Festival brings us together to share exceptional experiences.”

The 2017 Festival opens with Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak a grand public-performance collaborated by Noongar elders, as well as storytellers, artists, botanists and scientists, to transform Kings Park into a cathedral of light, sound and imagery over three unforgettable nights.

Combining the natural world with state-of-the-art technology, this spectacular walk-through experience explores the biodiversity and beauty of the six seasons of Noongar culture, culminating in a collective artwork made in collaboration with thousands of young people across the State.

“This unique experience of wonder and interconnectedness will be the start of a Festival journey that will see big-picture stories played out through personal perspectives,” Ms Martin said.

“Together, we will take a head-trip deep into the Amazon, experience Vietnamese village life through astonishing circus feats and enter the ritual world of South African song and dance.”

Themes of migration, reconciliation, accessibility and empathy run through a Festival for all tastes and senses. It even has its own official scent; lemon myrtle will pervade venues and influence menus across the city over the 24 days and nights of PIAF.

Founded in 1953 by The University of Western Australia, the Perth International Arts Festival is the longest running international arts festival in Australia and Western Australia’s premier cultural event.

For information more information please visit the Perth International Arts Festival website .

Media references

WA media: Stephen Bevis        +61 08 6488 8618 / 0448 927 281 [email protected]

National Media: Miranda Brown           +61 03 9419 0931 / 0411 568 781 [email protected]