Established by the Labor Government – and with a program three years in the making – the highly anticipated first full RISING is a bold night-time festival made up of 225 events, featuring more than 800 local and international artists.
The Wilds at Sidney Myer Music Bowl will be an epic city drawcard offering towering technicolor inflatables created by New York based Victorian artists Tin & Ed and an ice-skating rink, along with roaming performances, stunning projections and food by much-loved restaurants to complete the creative take-over.
For the next twelve days, the festival offers experiences for all ages and tastes with art, dance, theatre, live music and more – from daring works to captivate art lovers to free family friendly events.
Every night of RISING Robin Fox’s MONOCHORD will see lasers and moonlight beam along the Birrarung (Yarra River) for a sensational light and sound show, while mirror maze Kaleidoscope at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s forecourt creates ever-changing illusions for festival goers.
Music powers up Melbourne’s iconic venues, the Forum, Max Watts and Melbourne Recital Centre, as local and international acts take to the stage – including Sampa the Great, Kelly Lee Owens, Harvey Sutherland, Baxter Dury, and more.
Other highlights include Victorian choreographer Stephanie Lake’s latest work Manifesto, an all First Peoples designed line-up of Art Trams and Chinatown’s Golden Square – a car park swirling with contemporary art, music, performance and topped with a rooftop bar.
RISING runs from 1 to 12 June. For tickets and program details visit Patrons who spend $40 or more on tickets may be eligible to claim a 25 per cent rebate through the Victorian Entertainment Program.
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“RISING offers even more reasons for Victorians to rediscover the best of Melbourne, from Chinatown to the Yarra and everywhere in between – the festival will deliver strong economic benefits right across the CBD.”
“The return of RISING brings with it a spectacular line-up of art, music and theatre three years in the making, igniting city streets and positioning Melbourne as a cultural beacon to draw visitors from across the state and the nation.”
Quote attributable to RISING’s Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek
“For RISING we wanted to create a large-scale cultural event that truly captured the essence of this city – we're incredibly proud this program does just that. Now, finally, it’s time for audiences to get out and experience it.”
Reviewed 01 June 2022