News Archive

They were larger than life, and – like the Perth International Arts Festival itself – The Giants left an enduring legacy in learning that was fitting for a festival born on UWA’s campus and still run from this University.

Children among the 1.4 million who saw The Giants connected with the ANZAC narrative in a way few will forget; aspiring student performers witnessed what it takes to be counted among the very best in global theatre, music and dance; and seven Young Ambassadors – with sights set on careers in the arts – had a privileged behind-the- scenes learning experience through involvement in diverse PIAF events including the Perth Writers Festival that brought a record 44,000 to our campus.

Festival Ambassador Phoebe Sullivan assisted with The Giants and developed puppetry skills at a Handspring Puppet Company workshop. Bailey Field from Albany was involved in the technical set up for Great Southern Festival productions, while Aashna Grewal gained insights into film distribution with Lotterywest Festival Films.

“Having watched and worked alongside world renowned artists, the program opened a gateway of opportunities,” recalls Phoebe. “I would highly recommend it and, given the chance, would do it all over again, and again, and again!”

As Artistic Director Jonathan Holloway prepared his final festival, he observed: “The relationship with UWA is in the DNA of this Festival – designing a festival is like embarking on research, not knowing what you’ll discover…”

The UWA/PIAF partnership has successfully spanned six decades – engaging with big ideas, pushing boundaries, and reaching for those far horizons of learning, experience and discovery.

Just as bringing The Giants to Perth called for the combined support of government, corporations, institutions and generous individuals, so UWA’s research, its establishment of new chairs and its adoption of innovative ways of learning benefits from the generosity of all of the above. Such invaluable community support is reflected in many articles in this issue.

As he farewelled the city he had taken on a four-year journey, Jonathan Holloway seemed well satisfied with a festival that began with the largest ever Noongar Welcome to Country.

“Western Australia is intensely creative, let’s stop being nervous about admitting it,” he urged. “You created the first city arts festival in Australia and I’ve absolutely loved going on this adventure with you…”

PIAF General Manager Julian Donaldson spoke for many when observing that Jonathan’s festivals will be remembered for their ambition, scale and public participation. And as one Artistic Director moved on to his next adventure – running the Melbourne Festival – another was waiting in the wings. Wendy Martin, who has been head of performance and dance at the Southbank Centre in London, takes the artistic helm for the 2016 – 2019 festivals.

Photo: Diver giant is presented with a message stick, a gift from the Noongar poeple, the traditional custodians of the land.  (Photo: Perth International Arts Festival by Toni Wilkinson)