Program Guide 2008 Program Guide | Page 3

Kathy Alexander CEO City Of Melbourne KRISTY EDMUNDS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival. The 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival is the 23rd year of this ever-evolving organisation and marks my fourth and final program as Artistic Director. It has truly been an unforgettable experience. At its core, this year’s Festival is about the ideas and work of contemporary artists, with themes and concepts that explore transformation and, in many instances, ecstatic states of being. As you would expect, it is robust. Every year in October the city comes alive with a diverse, innovative and eclectic program from the world’s best international, national and local artists. The enormous range of events takes over nearly every corner of our city, from the City of Melbourne’s Arts House venues at North Melbourne Town Hall and Meat Market, to city galleries and performance spaces of all sizes. The immensity of the program allows the Festival to continue offering Melburnians and visitors a world of unique discoveries. This year I encourage you to seek out these new experiences by exploring new art forms or new artists and performances, to fully embrace the Festival atmosphere. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Kristy Edmunds for her vision over the past four years. Kathy Alexander Cit 䁽