A new festival is set to take over Melbourne this year and explore the intersection of art, ideas, sound and technology. Get ready for Now or Never, a festival that combines the success and resources of both Melbourne Music Week and Melbourne Knowledge Week. The historic Royal Exhibition Building will be one of the major festival venues, playing host its first large-scale live music performance in over two decades. The festival will run over 17 days, from Thursday August 17 to Saturday September 2.
Now or Never
This inaugural festival will invite you to the city and encourage a sense of curiosity and wonder. It’ll take over city streets and beloved venues, from Docklands to Carlton. The festival is expected to draw crowds of over 200, 000 people, and feature plenty of dreamy and immersive art installations, as well as live music events.
“The inaugural Now or Never festival will celebrate the evolution of Melbourne’s creative scene and provide an opportunity for Australians to experience experimental work from overseas,” said Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
The first part of the program has been released, revealing highlight events at the Royal Exhibition Building.
Look forward to events like:
- An Australian exclusive by American singer, songwriter and producer Kelela, supported by genre-bending avant/R&B musician, serpentwithfeet.
- A club night hosted by Untitled Group, headlined by German house and techno producer Âme. There will also be performances from Axel Boman, CC:Disco!, Ayebatonye and dameeeela.
- A sensory experience by English electronic duo Autechre. They will headline a night of live electronic music in complete darkness. This will be enhanced with a psychedelic 3D audio-visual experience by British artist Max Cooper.
- Orchestra Victoria’s take on US composer Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians. This will be accompanied by a 16-metre-high commissioned video work by multimedia artist Jesse Woolston.
- A hypnotising electric show from Bristol duo Giant Swan and a live set by UK-based artist Actress.
The Royal Exhibition will also host the event, Never Permanent. Presented by the internationally acclaimed design festival, Semi Permanent, this event will have plenty of keynote speakers and panel sessions, featuring leading creative visionaries from around the world.
The full program for Now or Never will be revealed in late June. To stay up-to-date or keep an eye out for more information, check out their website here.