Three women co-exist within a forest of plastic columns, experimenting with gentle but persistent acts which transform their bodies and surroundings over a six hour period. Their collective attempts to understand the material gives way to unintended consequences, patience is required in this precarious landscape. From Infancy is a collaboration from Ashleigh Musk with Kelly Beneforti […]
An adventure awaits you – will you answer the call? Join FIX IT the clown in this interactive workshop as they undertake a journey of mystical and mythical proportions to discover what it takes to become true hero. This physical, performative workshop from Anna Thomson will include improvisation, movement, object play and more, as children […]
A child is carefully constructing a blanket fort. A person pauses in their car for an extra moment in the driveway. The Ilparpa Ranges are lit up golden on a post work pilgrimage to the clay pans. Do you remember your happy place when you were young? Nook is a new theatrical work that explores […]
The inimitable Lady Lash builds intoxicating ambience through sultry vocals, poetic rhymes and haunting sonic sequences. A woman with both Kokatha and Greek heritage, she is influenced by the two ancient cultures. Don’t miss this incredible collaboration supported by fellow First Nations singer/songwriter/poet and activist, Kirra Voller, and Karnage N Darknis. KND are a hip-hop […]
Come and join the song circle! This workshop is open to people of all levels of singing - the only requirement being a joy for singing with others. Most Sunday afternoons Emma enjoys sharing and leading songs with Splinter Sisters, a small circle of singers in Alice Springs. She will share with you some quick-to-learn […]
Desert Paradise is a South Pacific Island dance school based in Alice Springs. Students ages range from 4 to 17 years old, and come from diverse backgrounds; Aboriginal, Fijian, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Maori, the Cook Islands and Tuvaluan. Teachers collaborate each term to share their unique knowledge and cultural through dance, and teach dances from across the South […]
Started in 2010 by local First Nations women, Desert Divas is a longstanding development program from MusicNT that links First Nations female songwriters with expert mentors. Be inspired as the 2022 Divas share their hopes, dreams, fears and goals through a diverse musical lens in this moving family friendly experience. Admission Adults - $15.00 Under […]
Fringe dwelling experiential spaces that bring together people and ideas to explore the heart and soul of the desert through multiple mediums and transitions This immersive experience brings together a collaboration of artists in an experiential installation that integrates people, culture and lands by creating safe spaces that change the way people experience their surrounds […]
Live entertainment, food from across the globe, and unique crafts and culture will fill the Todd Mall. Come and check out great live acts by Sissy Fu!, Michael Connell, Super Raelene Harmonium band, and the The Holy Dimes. Michael Connell Imagine a cross between Jerry Seinfeld and Cirque Du Soleil and you'd have something like […]
Please join us at 5:30pm for the official Welcome to Arrernte Country with Kumalie Riley. Featured performances include: 5:45pm - Ayenge Arrweketye (I Am Woman) - Toni Lord X GUTS GUTS Dance and emerging Indigenous choreographer Toni-louise Lord share Ayenge Arrweketye, in Arrernte, meaning "I am Woman". Indigenous Contemporary Dance piece, Ayenge Arrweketye, is an […]
Interplay Project x Desert Festival Change has always come from the Edge Fringe dwelling experiential spaces that bring together people and ideas to explore the heart and soul of the desert through multiple mediums and transitions A community art installation curated by a diverse group of volunteer artists including and with guidance from Mparntwe’s Traditional […]
World renowned beatboxer Tom Thum, and talented musician-songwriter Jamie MacDowell guide you through an interactive vocal and sampling workshop for participants of all skill levels. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to create, manipulate and arrange sampled sounds to craft compelling musical compositions. Please note this is and Adults only workshop. FREE - […]
Join local artist Pip McManus in a wander around the Alice Springs/Mparntwe town center, to discover the huge array of public street art. FREE - registration required. Meet at the Todd Mall entrance sign - corner of Todd St & Gregory Terrace. Due to the weather, this has been moved foward and will now start at […]
'It takes longer than you think' is a mixed-media exhibition investigating the multiplicities of temporal experience in expanded and multiple frames. Drawing on Einstein’s special theory of relativity, black holes, meteorites and event horizons, artists Gretel Bull and Jaxon Waterhouse unite sculpture, photography, video, and sound in an immersive experience exploring manifestations of time from […]
Join, Project Seed artists Gretel Bull & Jaxon Waterhouse at in-depth artist talk about their project concept, design process and how exploding ceramics pieces makes you feel. 'It takes longer than you think' is a mixed-media exhibition investigating the multiplicities of temporal experience in expanded and multiple frames. Drawing on Einstein’s special theory of relativity, […]
One ticket, 4 performances! 7pm - Dem Arrernte Mob Project Seed Delivery Dem Arrernte Mob have been working with emerging Indigenous artists to develop a showcase of original music that breathes Central Australian life. Nooks, Villain and Vito have been assisting local artists to delve into the world of music production, collaboration and performance. Bringing […]
One ticket, 2 performances! 1pm - Sea Shanty Workshop The world’s most terrible pirate, Captain Theodore Salmonbeard, is heading to Alice Springs in search of the finest sea shanties! In partnership with local buccaneering scallywags, The Fly Swats, the Captain is asking for your help to create and perform a unique sea shanty, born of […]
One ticket, 3 performances! 5pm - Music that Moves - Dusty Feet Dance Collective - Project Seed Music that Moves is a collaborative performance between Dusty Feet Dance Collective and the World Chamber Orchestra, featuring four dancers and a string quartet. Set at the beautiful Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, with composers including Elena Kat-Chernin, […]
Join an exciting opportunity to create screen-printed posters and then paste your work up in a large-scale installation at Desert Festival. The CDU print studios will host a workshop for high-school students to explore playful and political approaches investigating critical, contemporary issues that participants are passionate about; providing the opportunity to communicate their messages through […]
One ticket, 3 performances! 6pm - Songs of Spring by The Splinter Sisters The Splinters Sisters invite you to celebrate the new beginnings of Spring through song. From a Swedish love ballad about wrapping flowers around your heart, to a Spanish song opening doors to new beginnings, and closer to home with a Torres Strait […]
Join Children's Ground to launch our album of deadly, uplifting Arrernte songs for children: 'Ampe-mape Alyelheme! (Kids Sing!)'. The first children’s Arrernte language album of its kind – created by Arrernte artists, families and educators during this International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Come for a dance and, sing along with us to our versions of […]
Interplay Project x Desert Festival The audience is invited to an experience of Deep Listening to the important but less-heard voices of in our community. 4pm - The Edge Community Bush Expo; Sharing Knowledge & Ideas The Edge huts host a bush style expo event that brings together people and cultures to share knowledge, passions […]
The bushfoods inspired dinner is a culinary journey that not only tantalises the taste buds but also pays tribute to the knowledge of local indigenous women and their sustainable harvesting practices. This menu showcases the interconnectedness of culture, nature and ethics creating a memorable dinning experience that honours the land and its caretakers. All […]
Come on a journey to discover some of the amazing prehistoric stories of the Northern Territory. In a delightful adventure for the whole family, world-renowned singing palaeontologist Professor Flint, helps bring to life the awesome fossils of Megafauna Central. Along the way, you’ll learn about the remarkable creatures that once swam, slithered, crawled, and hopped, […]