ARTS FOR ARTS SAKE
Brett Sheehy AO (2009 — 2012)
SAT 10 OCTOBER
A FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE
Robyn Archer AO (2002 — 2004)
SAT 17 OCTOBER
Melbourne, base for Australia’s
most sophisticated independent
theatre sector; focus of
contemporary dance in Australia;
home to this country’s most
enthusiastic and knowledgeable
music audiences across the
full breadth of genres; lover of
the visual arts and appreciator
of design; and host to the
achievements of the MSO, MTC
and The Australian Ballet,
which, along with so many other
companies and artists, have also
made their mark overseas.
When the Festival was first
created, Melbourne was a very
different city but contemporary
Melbourne is as much defined by
its heritage as it is by its position
as a leader in architecture,
design, urban planning and the
arts. Capital of sport and a centre
of intellectual discourse, the
Melbourne we live in is a complex
and intriguing mix of dynamics.
Brett Sheehy AO will be joined
by other guests to discuss how
the art forms and the approach
and concerns of artists have
changed over the past thirty
years. What has been the impact
on Melbourne’s culture, identity
and how does a festival such
as Melbourne’s reflect and
contribute to that evolution?
Robyn Archer AO will be joined in
discussion by a panel of guests
who have helped shape the city
and the festival we love.
Conceived for Melbourne, how
has the Festival shaped and been
shaped by the changing culture,
politics and landscape of this city?
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL
Sir Jonathan Mills AO
(2000 — 2001)
SAT 24 OCTOBER
When Melbourne Festival
was conceived it was, like its
counterparts around the country,
primarily seen as a vehicle to
import international artists who
would not otherwise be seen here.
Thirty years later Melburnians
are fortunate to see work from
around the world throughout the
year. This change is mirrored in
most aspects of life in Melbourne
in 2015; this is a city now vitally
connected politically, culturally
and economically in ways that
have changed our position in and
relationship to the world. Driven
by technological innovation, the
world itself is a more globally
connected place.
How has this impacted the role
of Melbourne’s international arts
festival? Sir Jonathan Mills AO
will be joined by a panel of guests
whose experience expertly places
them to discuss the international
context of Melbourne Festival and
of Melbourne; the city destined to
become Australia’s biggest.
3