Be Bold Festival - Artists and Performers

(Artist)

Aunty Jeanie Mason is originally from Wilcannia along the Baaka (Darling) River in Western New South Wales and has lived in the western suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne) for the past three decades. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Community Service with Honours.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 12.30pm

(Fashion show)

Meet the designer behind the iconic collection Always Was Always Will Be Bakandji Fashion. Aunty Jeanie is from Wilcannia, the Bakandji people, the river people known as the Baaka. She has been painting since she was a child and her designs are a reflection of her very being. Each piece weaves the stories of the river and the land from her childhood, from the stories of her mother, always calling her back to the place that only the Bakandji know. Aunty Jeanie now passes her language, culture and artwork to her children.

(MC)

Something truly unique unites the body of work crafted by singer, actress, comedienne and cabaret supernova, Aurora Kurth. With over 20 years of experience at the forefront of creative innovation in Australia, Kurth extends a hand to her audience; an invitation to be emotionally transformed through connection to what’s undeniably our human birthright: a great story.

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Be Bold Main Stage, All day

Aurora will be our Mistress of Ceremonies on the stage at Be Bold 2024 bringing all our community stories to you through fashion, music, dance and more.

aurorakurth.com

(Performing Arts / Circus)

Balls Up Circus is the creation of Collin Bogaars who has over 20 years experience in performing circus skills. The program emphasizes fun, co-operation, trust, learning & safety. It is designed so everyone has a go, with participants gaining confidence, self-esteem, and dexterity.

Roving, 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm

(Workshops)

Balls Up Circus is a workshop designed for participants with little or no experience in circus skills. An entertaining-educational-fun filled program that culminates in an short performance by the participants.

funartsevents.com.au/balls-up-circus-workshops

(Performing Arts)

BoilOver Performance Ensemble and 5am presents The Birds. BoilOver Performance Ensemble creates unique dance and theatre works that are accessible and inclusive in a safe, supportive, fun and local environment.

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Roving, 2.30pm

The performance will feature a striking sound world of birdcalls played by the BoilOver artists on Alon Ilsar and Ciaran Frame’s accessible gestural musical phone app, AirTune. Wearing smartphones, each BoilOver artist’s unique movements will allow them to trigger different birdcalls of their choosing. Performers will also be wearing in-ear monitoring technology allowing for live direction and spontaneous happenings throughout the event.

The Birds blends dance, physical performance, circus arts and AI technology to create a compelling audio-visual work.

facebook.com/BoilOverInclusivePerformanceEnsemble

(Cultural)

Discover Cameroon through art and fashion and are creating a unique fashion collection to enhance visibility, participation and inclusion of the younger generation.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 2.30pm

(Fashion show)

Discover Cameroon through fashion and art proudly sharing and celebrating the Cameroonian culture using old, new, interesting and captivating ways which is fashion.

facebook.com/camerooncommunityaustralia

(Food)

MC – Richard Cornish

Mei Hsin (Taiwan)
Stephanie Lockwood (Italy)
Fipe Preuss (Samoa)
Manisha Kaushik (India)
Brenda Lo (Hong Kong)

Meet our presenters

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Cultural Kitchen, Errington Reserve Oval, 11.30am-4.30pm

Our Cultural Kitchen will take you on a journey across the globe, join our local community chefs as they share with you their traditional dishes. Richard Cornish is our guest MC who will bring all their food stories to life. Recipes will be available to take away.

(Dance)

Djirri Djirri Dancers are a Wurundjeri led female dance group, and, also Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne). Djirri Djirri means Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung, the language of Wurundjeri people. The Willy Wagtail the Spirit Bird, gave them dance. Many of their group have danced since they were young children, while others have learnt as adults.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 1pm

We are excited to have Mandy Nicholson singing in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people and watch the language come to life through dance.

(Music)

DJ Trancempire, originally hailing from Mumbai, is a dynamic and versatile DJ now based in Melbourne. With a deep passion for music and an extensive repertoire, DJ Trancempire specialises in a wide range of genres including Bollywood, EDM, and more.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 4.30pm

DJ Sujay playing tunes to close the festival! Get your dancing shoes and dance the afternoon away!

(Families, Performing Arts)

Dr Hubble is Australia’s Favourite Bubbleman, he makes massive beautiful long lasting bubbles that float over festival sites creating moments of joy and wonder. Everyone loves bubbles, adults and children alike, and Dr Hubble makes brilliant bubbles of all sizes for everyone to enjoy.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 11am

Dr Hubble is Australia’s Favourite Bubbleman has performed for 10+ years in theatres, festivals and schools in every state in Australia. He manipulates simple soap bubbles to create miraculous moments of wonder. You'll see bubbles you have never seen before, square bubble, the octagon bubble, the chimney and the explode-a-bubble.
This is a fun, funny and educational show for the whole family, with a subtle message of sustainability woven through it.

Roving, 12pm and 1.30pm

Have a go and have fun making bubbles with Dr Hubble.

drhubble.com.au

(Arts)

Dya Australia believes in the power of creative thinking and artistic expression to inspire and transform. Through their carefully curated workshops, they invite both children and adults to unleash their imagination, discover new talents, and explore the limitless possibilities of art. From painting and sculpture to mixed media and digital art, our workshops and activations offer a diverse range of mediums and techniques to suit every artistic inclination.

Dya The Art Of Creative Thinking Model™ (1999) This unique model challenges automatic thinking patterns to encourage authentic personal and social expression. Practicing the Art of Creative Thinking in daily life opens the door to original creation, promotes personal empowerment and inspires participants to take an idea from thought to reality. Dya Australia have a number of programs, education, corporate, individuals and community.

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Paint in the Dark - Flexi Room 1, 11am-3pm (drop-in sessions), 3.30-4.45pm (scheduled workshop, book now)

Need a glow up? Brighten up your day with this art experience at Be Bold Festival. Pick up a paintbrush, get your boogie on and unleash your neon spirit at a hyper-fluoro disco! At this paint session with a twist, you'll be able to unleash your inner artist with some of your nearest and dearest. Use fluoro paints under UV lights to make your canvas POP. Give your face a cheeky glow up too.

dyaaustralia.com.au

(Artist)

Emerging multidisciplinary artist, Emma Winkler, works with a range of mediums including collage, painting, and animation. The exhibition explores ideas of death, absurdism, and the unknown, drawing on fears and experiences from her upbringing.

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Bowery Gallery, all day
Exhibition launch 11am-12pm

Emma Winkler’s exhibition, Shadow Puppets, delves into death, failure, and the absurd using collage, painting, and animation. Her work examines the way we respond to our own mortality, confronting the futility of attempting to ward off death. Through fractured layers and distressed cartoons, Winkler explores embracing death as a means to confront anxiety and existential dread.

emmalynwinkler.com

(Performing Arts)

The Fops is presented by Born in a Taxi - an awarding winning physical theatre company based in Melbourne's West.

Roving, 1pm and 2.15pm

Full of the refineries of ornate 17th century France, bent on the fun and frivolities of a bawdy soiree. These parading peacocks make your champagne and chandeliers complete. He bows with a flourish of his handkerchief, she glances mysteriously over her fan. Refined and yet naughty. Enough suppressed sexuality to burn a hole in your napkin.

borninataxi.com.au

(Music)

Dhol (traditional Indian Drums) players from the Melbourne-based Jana Garjana Dhol Pathak group will be joining us at Be Bold 2024. What is Dhol Tasha? In essence, Dhol Tasha is not just a musical group drumming procession or performance; it is a cultural expression, a rhythmic language that communicates the spirit of Pune, Nasik and the whole of Maharashtra. It embodies community; the resilience, vibrancy, and unity of the people.

Be Bold Main Stage, 4pm

Enjoy beautifully rich drumming and performance by Jana Garjana Dhol Pathak.

facebook.com/jana.garjana.melbourne

(Artist)

Joanne Mott is an interdisciplinary Australian artist who makes a broad range artworks including Collage, Sculpture, Installation, New Media and Site Responsive Art. Her works engage the themes of ecologies, environment, sustainability and placemaking, and her practice includes creating Social and Community Art projects.

Errington Reserve Oval, All day

Bringing forth the development of wind inspired creations, installations and community projects, Windcrafters inspires us to think about how to harness wind and to create spaces that are bought to life through wind. Through this workshop participants learn how to make wind toys with an emphasis on recycled and found materials and themes around native birdlife, spaces of colourful kinetic fun are created.

joannemott.com

(Music, Families)

Junklandia is a performing arts group with a strong focus on drumming, dancing, comedy and creative recycling. They specialise in transforming everyday objects into musical instruments that inspire and entertain audiences. Their performances create an electrifying and engaging atmosphere, designed to actively involve participants, get them on their feet, and ignite their dancing, moving, and grooving spirits. This one-of-a-kind performance is guaranteed to leave a lasting impact, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Get ready to embark on a rhythmic journey like no other!

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Errington Reserve Oval, 11am-4pm
Workshops at 1pm and 3pm

Turning junk into funk! Junklandia's musical garden is set to rock Be Bold. The garden will be available throughout the festival along with a couple of hands-on lively, fun, interactive workshops for all to enjoy. If your missing a beat for your bop than boogie on down and join the amazing crew from Junklandia and have some fun.

facebook.com/junkyardbeats.au

(Dance / Cultural)

Founded in 2017, Kala Dyuthi Academy of Indian Classical Dance uses traditional learning and development, encourage creative presentation and discussion and provides opportunities to grow and make new connections.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 3pm

With the perfect blend of movement, rhythm and music, Bharatanatyam is a beautiful, strong and graceful dance form with vibrant costume, jewellery, and make-up, elevating its performance.

kaladyuthi.com.au

(Dance)

As a collective of Baganda dancers, the group showcase the rich heritage and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom of Uganda.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 2pm

(Performance)

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant tapestry of Ugandan culture with the Kiganda Dance Group and witness the intricate movements and energetic performances that embody the essence of Buganda culture. The graceful movements dancers and the electrifying rhythms of the music tell a story of centuries-old traditions passed down through generations.
With intricate footwork, dynamic drumming, and mesmerising hip movements the dancers breathe life into ancient traditions, captivating audiences with their skill and passion. Through their dance, the Kiganda Dance Group invite audiences to immerse themselves in Ugandan traditions. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of the Kiganda Dance Group in an unforgettable celebration of Ugandan culture!

Errington Reserve Oval, 12.30pm

(Workshop)

(Dance)

L2R Dance is a not-for-profit organisation based in Footscray dedicated to harnessing the power of hip-hop to strengthen our community through belonging, wellbeing and leadership in the Arts.

Our mission is to inspire positive vibes through one language, Dance!

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Bowery Theatre, 1pm

The L2R Experience is the grand finale of a year filled with dedication, hard work, and incredible achievements by the young dancers from Melbourne's West who participate in L2R’s free dance programs. This vibrant community celebration will showcase the talents of over 50 L2R dancers, aged 6 to 30, as they light up the stage with their amazing moves. It’s a joyous event where friends, family, and the community come together to cheer on these dancers. At L2R, we believe in one universal language … DANCE!

l2r.org.au

(Cultural)

Our local Indian community comes together to bring us a very special fashion show.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 3.30pm

(Fashion show)

Experience the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture at our Indian Fashion Show. Witness the breath-taking beauty of traditional attire, from flowing saris to majestic lehengas, and from elegant Anarkali’s to dashing kurtas. Be mesmerized by the intricate embroidery, delicate prints, and exquisite jewellery that adorn each outfit. Our show celebrates the diversity and richness of Indian heritage, blending classic styles with modern twists and contemporary flair. Join us for an unforgettable performance of fashion, music, and dance that will leave you enchanted and inspired.

(Dance, Music)

A Polynesian Dance Group based in Melbourne.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 1.30pm

The group will be showcasing a glimpse of the beautiful islands of Polynesia through dance, song, the sounds of the Polynesian drums. This is an interactive show.

facebook.com/maidensofpolynesia

(Music / Youth)

The Resonate Youth Music Showcase is a curated performance of young musicians, performers and artists (aged 12-25) who live, work or play in the City of Brimbank.

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Bowery Theatre, 3.30pm

Youth artist line-up coming soon

(Families, Performing Arts)

Cultivating a new style of show, The Scientwits bring a new breed of Sketch Comedy to the stage. Inventive, exploratory and belly laughing fun everyone. Our show will centre on audience engagement, and highly interactive science based experiments within each sketch.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 11.30am

Join The Scientwits in the science lab for… The Wrong Experiments stage show! Watch Captain Chaos and Scientist Sam create utter mayhem in this high-energy and interactive comedy science show for kids where NOTHING goes to plan! Suitable for ages 5-12, get ready to be blown away, not literally of course! Unbeknownst to the straight-laced science teacher Scientist Sam, Captain Chaos has reinstated himself as the bumbling assistant and insists on being part of the show. Without any formal training and an appalling lack of attention to detail, he 'accidentally' destroys the lab, derailing the intended science lesson substituting Scientist Sam’s mundane experiments for far more exciting versions.

Roving, 1pm

Experience The Scientwits mayhem right in front of you as they mingle through the crowd with their science trolleys. Watch the trail of chaos unfold as they perform popup science experiments and scenes which include; dry ice fog bubbles, elephant's toothpaste, exploding bags, giant bubbles and slime time!

thescientwits.com

(First Peoples / Cultural)

Born and bred in Shepparton, Uncle Shane is a strong Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung man. He has worked across a range of sectors including education and training, justice and cultural heritage within both Aboriginal and mainstream organisations. Shane co-chairs the Aboriginal Studies and Indigenous Strategies Committee at La Trobe University. He is known for his work in cultural intelligence and diversity of Australia’s First Peoples and is a passionate advocate for reconciliation.

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Be Bold Main Stage, 12pm

Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

(Performing Arts)

Snuff Puppets create giant puppet spectacles and have been entertaining Melbourne since 1992. Enjoy a collision of visual art, sculpture, music, and physical theatre.

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Roving, 3.15pm and 4pm

Giant Puppets of the West brings to life tales from Tonga, Somalia, and Vietnam. Over a dozen towering puppets, hand crafted in local community workshops and performed by locals.
Presented by Snuff Puppets, in collaboration with the East African Women’s Foundation, Australian Vietnamese Arts and Culture, and Australia Pacific Arts Network.

snuffpuppets.com