Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
A free community arts festival will turn up the heat this winter.
The Makuru Arts Festival is returning to Cockburn for its second year after a hugely successful 2025 debut, offering a mix of theatre, music and interactive experiences for all ages.
Fourteen events will run from June 5 to June 27, including the award-winning An Imaginary Life performance, based on the novel by the late David Malouf and performed by actor Humphrey Bower and live musician Pavan Kumar Hari.
There will also be music from Australian Baroque, the return of Sunday Afternoon Music curated by Billie Rogers, paint and sip classes, comedic improv’ and more.
Creative producer Ella Hetherington said it was becoming increasingly difficult for Perth artists to find opportunities to perform.
“The 2026 Makuru program brings together some of the most exciting and respected performers in WA and across Australia,” she said.
“Nationally, the arts sector is experiencing a decrease in funding and dwindling audiences but it appears there is a wealth of interest and keen audiences in the suburbs.
“The 2025 Makuru Arts Festival showed that the decentralisation of the arts and taking it to the people outside the major performances houses and out of the CBD could be part of a thriving future for the sector.”
This year’s festival will feature a new family weekend event, offering special art experiences for children and young people.
On Saturday, June 20, artist Adam Kelly is performing his award-winning show ARCO, including a show for kids at 3pm and a later show at 6pm.
ARCO, Kelly’s take on living with autism, offers a heartfelt, humorous look into his life and encourages the audience to consider his perspective.
On the Sunday, Hamilton Hill’s Memorial Hall will host SPARK Arts Day, designed for primary school kids to learn new skills such as puppetry, circus, clowning, dance, music making and visual arts.
Ms Hetherington, who has directed large scale performance projects across Australia and toured internationally, said winter was the perfect time to host the event.
“In Australia we rush toward summer festivals and open-air events because our climate supports them so well, yet there always seems to be a surprising lack of winter festivals offerings,” she said.
“In many ways, winter makes sense – it invites us indoors, encourages connection and creates the perfect atmosphere for intimate, meaningful, artistic experiences.”
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett said the event would make the arts more accessible.
“It’s an invitation for everyone to gather, connect with their community and be a part of new circles as they experience world-class art, regardless of financial circumstance,” he said.
“I’m very proud our city can offer these amazing opportunities to our community, especially children and those with limited access to high quality arts experiences.”
All events are free except the opening world music cafe show on June 5. Tickets are required.
