Melbourne international animation festival
Mickey Mouse, begone. This rapidly expanding festival celebrates the best current and retrospective animation films from around the world, along with hosting workshops and talks. While the Australian showcase selection is always popular, there’s also a student festival selection, the intriguing Late Night Bizarre, a music video program and plenty for kids. Those who can’t decide will enjoy Best of the Fest.
Melbourne international animation festival, ACMI, 21 to 28 June
Supersense southside
Billing something as a festival of the ecstatic is already intriguing: the idea of marrying classical music, art, film and dance with their cutting-edge contemporaries takes it up a notch. Supersense matches Eastern trance with punk, electronic artist Ash Ra Tempel/Manuel Gottsching with Indigenous artist Gurrumul and John Cale with The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Curious
Supersense, Art Centre Melbourne, 7 to 9 August
Kakadu Man (to music)
The Dreaming poetry of Gagudju elder and poet Bill “Kakadu Man” Neidjie opened up the glorious landscapes of Kakadu national park to a wider audience, and the Australian Chamber Choir has commissioned composer Tom Henry to set extracts to music. Before the choir set off on their European tour, they will play two special shows for local audiences.
Kakadu Man, Macedon on 13 June; Middle Park on 14 June
Quiet Moments in Freo
As the world swirls around us, what better moments to capture than those of stillness? Curated by artist Susan Hill, this exhibition showcases photographers who seek out random everyday objects ladened with metaphor and hidden meaning, to give viewers just a little breathing space.
Quiet moments: contemporary poetic photography, Fremantle Arts Centre, from 6 June to 26 July
Refugee arts showcase
With so much debate around refugees in Australia, perhaps it’s worth considering what they have to offer. On World Refugee Day, this free one-day festival shows off the talents of the artists and performers, who also happen to be refugees. Music performances, exhibitions, a film screening, food and market stalls will be part of the celebration.
New Beginnings refugee arts and culture festival, Marrickville, 20 June
