Darebin FUSE Festival is returning this September, bringing 10 days of live music, performances, workshops, film screenings and immersive arts experiences to venues across Melbourne’s north.
Running from 5 to 13 September, the annual festival will transform Darebin with a packed program of free and low-cost events, showcasing local artists alongside nationally recognised creatives. This year’s festival features eight signature programs curated by Darebin Arts, 19 community-funded events and a range of open-access experiences created by artists from across the municipality.
The festival opens on 5 September with Ganbu Gulin: burndap neto! at Darebin Arts Centre and Ray Bramham Gardens. Celebrating contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity, the event will feature performances from neo-soul artist MO’JU and local indie-rock band Liv & The Dream, alongside a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Wurundjeri dance performances, family activities and creative workshops.
First Nations Programmer Ethan Savage said this year’s theme highlights the strength and innovation of contemporary First Nations artists.
“With an emphasis on creative and contemporary artistic practice, the theme for Ganbu Gulin and the Deadly Darebin program positions legacies of resistance and empowerment as they manifest in contemporary artistic pursuits, allowing for artists and creatives to embolden their self-determined practices through performance and expression of cultural pride.”
Another festival highlight is THE CUBE, an interactive arts space presented by Born in a Taxi, taking over part of the Preston Market car park from 11 to 13 September. Visitors can enjoy live performances, creative workshops, street dance sessions, eco art activities and family-friendly events across the three-day activation.
Families can also enjoy Rock-A-Bye Baby at Darebin Arts Centre, while film lovers can catch free screenings at Thornbury Picture House and Darebin City Hall, including family films, multicultural cinema and First Nations storytelling.
For the full program and event details, visit https://arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/fuse
