A few days ago I had the great privilege of working with many of WA’s finest artists on the opening event of the 2016 Perth International Arts Festival. Directed by the extraordinary Nigel Jamieson, working tightly alongside Noongah Elder Richard Walley, it finished with a wondrous performance by Tim Minchin and the WA Youth Orchestra of his perfect song of belonging – ‘Not Perfect’.

You can watch the video here

And a few quotes from the press about the event:

The Australian – Perth International Arts Festival Gives Welcome to West Country – “By virtue of its geography and isolation, Perth can offer festival-goers an experience that is different from festivals on the far eastern side of the continent. The city – birthplace of the modern welcome to country – goes out of its way to extend hospitality.”

The West Australian – All the comforts of Home in tender Festival opening – “Perth International Arts Festival artistic director Wendy Martin has stepped out of the 2015 shadows of The Giants with a powerful statement of State identity at the opening event.”

The Sydney Morning Herald – Perth Festival: Tim Minchin helps lift the shadow of The Giants with heartfelt concert – “Home was bold and big-hearted, with a strong political message of recognising past wrongs and promoting an inclusive future told through music, words and dazzling visual projections.”