As the Central Desert landscape is once again a cascade of colour, a group of young emerging artists are endeavouring to capture the vibrant display of blooms native to this country. Under the guidance of senior artists Mervyn Rubuntja and Selma Coulthard from Iltja Njtarra Art Centre, a group of young artists are enthusiastically engaged […]
We are the Midnight Rangers. Born in the Post-Intervention Apocalypse of Mparntwe, we play country music from stolen, trampled and thirsty country. We necromance the bones of country classics and yell them louder than the Gravy Train we're all riding. This event is part of the Desert Festival opening, Alice Springs Town Council Night Market […]
From winning the regional battle of the school bands NT, best song, best band, Mulga Bore Hard Rock are heading to greatness. Set in remote central Australia, Anmatyerre country and one of lands smallest schools, a school band is taking on the world. Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band will be fresh from supporting KISS on […]
BLOOM where you're planted! On The Wing Productions brings their Pop-Up Cabaret to 2022 Desert Festival! Join your host Dan Milne, the Pop-Up Cabaret backing band, and a fantastic lineup of HOMEGROWN talent for some fun tunes. As always the open mic section is available for all BUDDING performers. Email [email protected] to express your interest. […]
Installation by designer Elliat Rich, accompanied by words with Jennifer Mills and sound by Edi Donald. For 70,000 year humans understood their world through a mythological framework; a complex integration of different knowledge types, fed through observation and shared through story. 2,000 years ago some humans speared off from this world view and introduced a […]
Tibetan-Australian artist Tenzin Choegyal brings traditional Tibetan sounds into a contemporary setting, proudly holding the unbroken nomadic lineage which is central to his musical repertoire. Through his music and storytelling, Tenzin takes audiences on a musical journey which transcends cultural boundaries, reveals ancient wisdoms and connects deeply to the wandering people of his homeland. He […]
While the isolation and extremes of the NT loom large in Sally Balfour’s songwriting, Sally's music connects on an individual level. Sally Balfour hails from Darwin and will be performing the songs from her debut EP. "Sally Balfour's voice has a resonance that just draws you in and keeps you captivated. Balfour is that special […]
10 astounding songwriters weave an intimate songbird celebration of connection: ‘KINDRED,’ combining their unique voices, styles and song stories. Be delighted as this supergroup of women and gender diverse performers share their light and insight into our shared humanity. Featuring Bambadino, Ceenah, Fan Fatale, Gleny Rae, Jessie May, Kirra Voller, Kodivine, Velia and XAVIA. Save […]
Registrations are open! - click here to register. Eclectic and diverse, the 2022 Artisan Trail will take visitors on a journey through different disciplines and locations across the two weekends of Desert Festival. The Artisan Trail is a self-guided tour of artist and craftsperson’s studios. It’s an opportunity for the community to visit some of […]
Get your entire ecosystem bopping at this adults-only garden party. With local queer artists as our master gardeners, a night of collective creativity and kinky imagination awaits. Soak yourself in sensory delight including live music, roving performers, DJs, VJs, theatre and dance. Expect interactive installations, solarpunk peep shows and a whole microcosm of creatures to […]
Writing in the Sand, by Yothu Yindi's authorised biographer, Matt Garrick, is the epic story of one of Australia's most original bands and how 'Treaty' gave voice to Indigenous Australia's hard-fought struggle for recognition. Join author Matt Garrick and a local moderator at Red Kangaroo Bookstore for a lively discussion on this compelling book.
Anwerne Apurte Alyelheme Anwerne alyelheme angkentye Arrernte-le Anwerne angkentye nenhe lterrke atnyenetyeke Anwerne imerneme ampe mape-ke We are singing together We are singing in our language Arrernte We are keeping our language strong We are teaching it to our children Please join Arrernte families, children and educators from Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe (Children’s Ground) as we share […]
ARIA award winner and songbird Kavisha Mazzella’s original songs lyrical ingredients include humour, poetry, social justice and the spiritual. Singing in English and Italian, she will take you on an uplifting journey of stories and songs ringing with echoes of Celtic and Fado influences that will strike a resounding chord within. With 8 solo albums […]
Come 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 songs […]
Frank Yamma is one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous songwriters, with an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries. A Pitjantjatjara man, Frank speaks five languages and sings in Pitjantjatjara and English. His mighty songs, magical guitar playing and deeply evocative voice tell stories of country, protection, heartache, travel and love. Frank Yamma is joined […]
Incite Arts has been delivering inclusive arts programs since 2004. As an organisation, they have learnt a lot on their journey over the years and will be sharing these learnings in this exciting panel. From physical access to the need for accessibility in communications, this panel will be centred around how we can help make […]
From artist and researcher Dean West, The Buffel Harvest is an experimental performance orbiting around a live demonstration of how to grow Oyster Mushrooms using Central Australian weed species Buffel Grass as a substrate. The demonstration will take you through harvest, pasteurisation, inoculation, incubation and finally harvest again. The demonstration will be elaborated with animations, […]
The Nestmakers is a time capsule of climate anxieties, a resting place for your doom and gloom. It is a funny and sad play about culpability and climate, bunkers and billionaires, and the refusal to give into your prepper side. Written by Betty Sweetlove and directed by Bek Law with dramaturgy by Declan Furber Gillick […]
Come to the edge. We might fall. Come to the edge. It’s too high! Come to the edge. And they came. And he pushed. And they flew. - Christopher Logue Dusty Feet Dance Collective aims to create uplifting dance theatre that inspires and provokes. Set to an evocative soundtrack, with quirky characters, contemporary dance physicality […]
Come to the edge. We might fall. Come to the edge. It’s too high! Come to the edge. And they came. And he pushed. And they flew. - Christopher Logue Dusty Feet Dance Collective aims to create uplifting dance theatre that inspires and provokes. Set to an evocative soundtrack, with quirky characters, contemporary dance physicality […]
Stellar Sea explore our hidden aspirations in a time when we need to desire less for the sustainability of our planet. Weaving live music, projected media and a compelling poetic narrative, they will deliver an embodied experience inspired by PJ Harvey and their own dreams. Stellar Sea are a cohort of post-punk eco queers with […]
On The Wing Theatre Co. invites you to come and get creative in the Kardboard Kingdom! Blending workshop and theatre performance, this interactive piece gives audiences the chance to get crafty and then enjoy watching performers bring their creations to life. If you can't make this performance, Kardboard Kingdom will also take place on Saturday […]
The Alice Springs Town Council with support from the Northern Territory Government are proud to bring back the highly successful Pop Up Park Series in 2022, and this edition will feature a curated lineup of exciting Desert Festival talent! This place-based activation series targets Alice Springs families, neighbours and individuals looking for an opportunity to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]