FUSE is committed to showcasing all the talent, creativity, and art that the community of Darebin has to offer Part of the Spring 2024 program is FUSE@Large, an open access, multi-arts program where any artist, maker and creator can host an event under the umbrella that is FUSE in Darebin, during the festival which will run this year from 14 to 22 September.
This spring, audiences from around Melbourne have the chance to enjoy performances by Darebin’s creative heart. From art exhibitions to film screenings, live music and audio-visual installations, festivalgoers will be spoilt for choice.
FUSE Films presents a variety of films that captivates audiences like no other. A lovely segue into the upcoming Seniors Month in October, FUSE Spring Festival is presenting a collection of diverse films in Vietnamese and Greek, all with English subtitles. All of these screenings will occur at Thornbury Picture House on 17 September.
A family after-school activity is the Australian classic Paper Planes, an imaginative children’s film about a young Australian boy’s passion for flight and his challenge to compete in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan. Written and directed by Robert Connolly and starring Sam Worthington (Australia, 2015).
In the evening, celebrate local filmmakers Rochelle Humphrey and Sari Braithwaite with a Q&A after the screening of their film Wurundjeri Baggarrook, an insight into the complexities of contemporary Aboriginal identity in an urban setting, and how brave Wurundjeri women know how to build a strong and proud community.
Other films in the program include Because We Have Each Other, a masterclass in slice-of-life documentary. The film embeds its audience in the life of a neurodiverse family in the forgotten working-class suburb of Logan. Written and directed by Sari Braithwaite (Australia, 2022).
My Name Is Eftihia, a journey filled with adventure and passion, from her early days as a young girl recently married, to her decision to travel from Aidini to Greece. A bold decision to seize life by the horns and live on her own terms. Directed by Angelo Frantzis. Written by Katerina Bei and Rea Manelli (Greece, 2019).
The Scent of Green Papaya. A servant in the household of a merchant family, Mui observes everything around her in minute detail, and gradually, as she flowers into a beautiful woman, her simple goodness impresses her more hurried and cynical employers. Written and directed by Tran Anh Hung (Vietnam, 1993).
FUSE@Large performances
Not Done Yet is a performance that involves nine characters accessing a public space as a group. . Each performer takes on the role of a stereotypical ‘elderly citizen’ on an outing from a retirement village. Using choreographed movement, dance, slapstick and a range of performance techniques they defy expectations of how ‘seniors’ should behave in public.
Not Done Yet was formed in late 2023 by participants in Pony Cam’s intergenerational performance project at Darebin Arts Centre during FUSE Festival 2023. The nine participants, all over the age of 55 and from a range of different performance and art backgrounds, have been meeting since then to explore their own performance language. Performance will take place on 14-15 September and 21-22 September at Preston Market.
The High Street Bells Choir has been coming together on a weekly basis for the past 13 years to sing, learn new songs and learn percussion accompaniment. It is a unique musical program for people with disability that offers friendship and socialisation through singing and brings joy to members and audiences alike. The Choir has performed at Federation Square Christmas Carols and various concerts throughout Darebin. The concert will be held at Northcote Uniting Church on 16 September.
FUSE@Large exhibitions and visuals arts
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre launches its spring season with two new exhibitions, Five rooms and house rules. Engaging with the domestic expanse of Bundoora Homestead’s second floor galleries, the exhibition introduces a myriad of sculptural, temporal and site responsive artworks. Curated by Tim Woodward and presented by the artist-run gallery Working at Heights, the exhibition features the work of artists Steven Bellosguardo, Jessie Bullivant, Mitchel Cumming, Hilary Jackman, Erika Scott, Rachel Shenberg, Lilly Skipper and Charlie Sofo. The exhibitions can be seen at Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre, from 14 September – 23 November.
Dream On: Artists in the Limelight is an exhibition of artworks produced by artists from the inclusive Art for All Abilities program. This exhibition celebrates how we are all different and the beauty of what can be made from recycled materials combined with quality media. All artworks will be for sale and participating artists will be on-site to talk about their art. This exhibition is at Span community House on 21 – 22 September.
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Fact or Fiction portrait competition at Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly NMIT). Fact or Fiction 2024 is a showcase of the best student portraits from Melbourne Polytechnic based on a well-known character that is either fictional or real. The competition is open to all students from Art or Visual Arts at a VCE or tertiary level in Victoria. The competition will be open throughout September at the Northcote Space Gallery, Northcote Library,
Art Buddies is a space for participants to bring their creative project, along with art supplies, or whatever they need for a few hours of art making, while connecting with others. The event is designed to develop new conversations as participants make art and share ideas. Art Buddies is on at Neon Parlour on 18 September.
Draw Plants Together is partnering with Bridge Queer Gathering for FUSE Darebin to present a friendly plant drawing workshop for queer and questioning people that explores the queerness of plants and of the interconnected ecologies around us. Connect with other LGBTQIA+ folk, experiment with drawing and learn more about the indigenous plants of the Darebin area in a supportive environment. Draw Plants Together is on at Bridge Darebin Arts Hub & Community Hall on 22 September.
FUSE is the City of Darebin’s multi-arts festival providing a platform for local creatives, designers and performers to transform its city into a dynamic hub of creativity, allowing artists and audiences alike to enjoy Darebin’s streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries and public spaces as transformative zones—infused with the power of art, culture, and creativity.
Image credits:
Top: Not Done Yet – provided by artists 2024.
Middle: High Street Bells 2024 provided by community group.
Bottom: Wild Hardt Photography, Bundoora Homestead Art Centre galleries, artworks featured by Elvis Richardson and Kate Tucker 2024
14 – 22 September
www.fusedarebin.com.au
