From music in laneways to riverside soundscapes, Melbourne is set to become a creative playground by day and night when the 2024 RISING festival takes over the city from Saturday, 1 June until Sunday, 16 June, backed by the Allan Labor Government.
With this year’s program officially launched today, RISING will see more than 100 creative events featuring more than 480 artists set to turn up the heat across Melbourne this winter.
More than 488,000 people flocked to RISING last year across the 12-day program – bringing visitors from interstate and overseas to the heart of Melbourne in a boost for businesses, local jobs and the Victorian economy.
From a massive free exhibition of First Peoples art and culture that will transform Fed Square to an epic one-day music festival embedded across a whole city block, RISING will offer events for all tastes, whether you like indie-rock, contemporary dance or anything in between.
This year’s program showcases Melbourne as a creative canvas, with iconic creative spaces like Arts Centre Melbourne as well as unexpected sites set to come alive. At the heart of the program is RISING’s performance, food and social hub Night Trade will shine a light on the little-known laneways around the Capitol Theatre.
RISING’s theatre, dance, and performance program features new commissions and world premieres including an event by ILBIJERRI Theatre celebrating the trailblazing rock’n’roll group Warumpi Band and One Single Action, the latest dance work by acclaimed local dance company Lucy Guerin Inc.
RISING’s huge music line-up includes Melbourne icons The Dirty Three playing their first hometown show in 14 years, Swedish electro-pop group Fever Ray making their Australian debut, and the new Day Tripper event, headlined by hip hop icon Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), running across venues, laneways and more.
To book tickets and view the full program visit rising.melbourne.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“The RISING festival in June is a ‘must see’ and the program will create a huge buzz across the CBD with events that capture the imagination, open up our hearts and minds, while bringing a whole lot of fun.”
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“A packed program of amazing cultural experiences will see RISING ignite Melbourne’s winter again in 2024, bringing visitors into the city to revel in this major event filled with art, music and performance.”
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
“We’re proud to back RISING as it brings thousands of visitors from across Victoria, interstate and overseas to the heart of Melbourne – boosting businesses, jobs and our economy.”
As stated by RISING co-artistic directors Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek
“This year, we’re thrilled to showcase an array of artists, events and performances that reflects the city right now, its diverse community, and its artistic innovation. RISING stands a testament to the power of art to connect, challenge, and inspire.”
