The City of Melbourne’s newest major festival, Now or Never, is back this August after an impressive debut last year. From Thursday 22 to Sunday 31 August, this dynamic festival will offer over 100 free and ticketed events, showcasing art, ideas, sound, and technology.
A Festival of Innovation
This year’s theme, “Look through the image,” invites audiences to explore deeper meanings and uncover hidden messages in art. With over 250 creatives, musicians, artists, and thought leaders, Now or Never promises to be a thought-provoking experience.
Highlights of Now or Never 2024
The Royal Exhibition Building (REB) will once again host large-scale live music and audio-visual projection works over four nights. Expect performances from multi-instrumentalist Eartheater, techno pioneers Sandwell District, and the Australian debut of COUCOU CHLOE. Other notable performers include Ben Frost, Naretha Williams, and British electronic musician Clark. Italian techno DJ Donato Dozzy will also headline a night co-hosted by Untitled Group.
French artist Joanie Lemercier will present “Constellations,” a celestial installation on the Yarra River. Meanwhile, Marco Fusinato’s “DESASTRES” will debut at NantStudios in Docklands, featuring a radical live noise-guitar performance.
London’s United Visual Artists (UVA) will showcase “Silent Symphony” and “Present Shock II” at the REB. These installations, combined with audio-visual pieces, will challenge perceptions and invite contemplation.
In a world-exclusive, Melbourne act HTRK and British musician Actress will perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Bestselling author Roxane Gay will also return to discuss her latest book, “Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business.”
First Nations and International Debuts
Wuigada – Gagada (To Sing – Loud) celebrates First Nations songman Kutcha Edwards with a collaborative performance featuring the Australian Art Orchestra. The augmented reality experience “Slow Walker” by Peder Bjurman will transform a microscopic Tardigrade into a colossal being above the Melbourne Museum Plaza.
UK musician Clark and choreographer Melanie Lane will present “MOUNTAIN,” a contemporary dance performance with costumes by Akira Isogawa. Alisdair Macindoe’s “Plagiary,” featuring AI video by Sam Mcgilp, will create a new show each night with improvising dancers.
Renowned mycologist Merlin Sheldrake will discuss “Fungi Futures – A Web of Wonder” at the Melbourne Museum. April Phillips’ “kajoo yannaga (come on let’s walk together)” offers an interactive virtual walk guided by First Nations knowledge.
A Must-See Festival
Now or Never will take over Melbourne from 22 to 31 August. Tickets are on sale now. Visit Now or Never to purchase tickets and explore the full program. This festival is set to draw over 200,000 visitors, boosting Melbourne’s economy and supporting artistic talent.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp emphasises the festival’s impact, saying, “Melbourne, it’s Now or Never! This extraordinary festival will enrich our events calendar, boosting visitation and stoking our economy during the quieter winter period.”
Councillor Roshena Campbell adds, “Now or Never is a fantastic reason to enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer during the winter months.”
Museums Victoria CEO Lynley Crosswell highlights the significance of the venues, noting, “Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building are vital elements in Melbourne’s cultural identity, perfect for hosting Now or Never 2024.”
