Junction Arts Festival to serve double act to mark milestone
Launceston’s creative Junction Arts Festival will run across two weekends for the first time in its history — and it’s not the only exciting addition on the way.
Tasmania
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Art lovers will have a double dose of Junction Arts Festival — with the spring-time event marking its 15th year by running across two weekends for the first time.
The Launceston cultural drawcard will run across September 12-21.
The opening weekend will bring celebrations of 15 years of Junction through community gatherings, special events and reflective moments honouring the festival’s rich history and those who shaped it.
The following weekend will serve the festival’s signature events bringing contemporary art, live music, immersive performances and late-night events.
Leading the line up for this year’s festival is Airship Orchestra.
The internationally renowned art and technology studio ENESS is behind the large-scale work of a mystical tribe of 16 towering inflatable figures.
The galactive beings will stand up to 6m tall over Launceston and invite visitors to enter a world of volumetric sound, pulsing light and playful interaction.
It’ll be the first time the artwork is on display in Tasmania.
ENESS founder and artist Nimrod Weis said he was delighted to bring Airship Orchestra to Tasmania.
“Art has the power to inspire joy and playfulness in the public realm by stimulating new forms of connection,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing friends, family and even strangers in Launceston engaging with our interactive characters and each other, forging new connections and spreading happiness.”
Junction Arts Festival president and chair Rebecca Birrell said the festival transformed the northern city at the Spring Enquinox and supported hundreds of Tasmanian artists.
“This year, to further celebrate our 15th year we are thrilled to be presenting the Tasmanian premiere of internationally acclaimed art installation “Airship Orchestra” by ENESS, an interactive fusion of art, technology and soft sculpture, that will create an unforgettable and inspirational experience,” she said.
Events Minister Nick Duigan said the government was providing the festival with $1.7m in funding to deliver the event.
“Events are incredibly important to our economy, particularly in our regions and during the shoulder season, which is why we’re so proud to back this event. I wish Junction all the best as they celebrate 15 years of the iconic event,” he said.
The future of the festival has also been secured for the next three years after securing Events Tasmania’s major event partnership program.
Originally published as Junction Arts Festival to serve double act to mark milestone
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