Prepare for an exhilarating immersion into arts and culture at the upcoming Cairns Festival (Friday 25 August to Sunday 3 September), which will host the esteemed 2023 Australia Performing Arts Exchange (APAX).
In a rare confluence, the festival will coincide with the influx of Australia’s performing arts industry into Cairns.
A dynamic congregation of over 400 presenters, producers, and performers from every corner of the nation will assemble to showcase, collaborate, and explore what Cairns and the Festival offers.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning recognised the unparalleled opportunity offered by having the nation’s premier arts and cultural conference in the city.
“With APAX in town, our arts scene gains a heightened spotlight, illuminating our local infrastructure and talent,” Cr Manning said.
“This underlines our ambitious trajectory towards establishing Cairns as the arts and cultural capital of northern Australia.
“Undeniably, APAX stands as the paramount national marketplace for the performing arts.
“This event offers local artists an expansive platform to showcase their brilliance, simultaneously casting a well-deserved spotlight on the city’s unique and exceptional venues, such as the Tanks Arts Centre, Court House Gallery, Cairns Performing Arts Centre, and Munro Martin Parklands.”
In a synergistic collaboration, Council has partnered with PAC Australia, the national peak body for performing arts centres, to host APAX, from 2 August to 1 September.
This partnership harmonises with the sprawling Cairns Festival program, characterised by various live performances, exhibitions, and culturally enriching experiences.
Cairns Festival promises a kaleidoscope of offerings for both APAX delegates and the community at large:
- Diverse performances: Live showcases spanning genres, from Queensland Symphony Orchestra to Bite Club and The Jungle Giants
- Exhibition extravaganza: Thought-provoking exhibitions, including How We Relate by Yalanji Arts and ENERGY, that brings together school students across the region.
- Cultural soirees: A celebration of cultural diversity through the immersive dance of Gulgi-Barra by Miriki Performing Arts and Light Moves by Bonemap
- Community events: Events such as the Grand Parade and free live music stages bring the community together to celebrate the vibrancy of Cairns City.
The Cairns Festival, aligned with the impactful APAX event, guarantees an unforgettable fusion of creative expression, collaboration, and cultural festivities.
