The City of Darebin proudly introduces FUSE. Every Autumn and Spring, FUSE transforms Darebin into a dynamic hub of creativity. FUSE ignites our vibrant city, bringing artists, communities and audiences to our streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries, and to our private and public spaces to immerse themselves in art, culture and creativity of all forms. Darebin City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.
FUSE Autumn Opening Night rang in the start of the festival with a musical celebration and coming together underneath the stars in the Darebin Arts Centre Courtyard. Acknowledgement of Country was performed by Charles Pakana a Palawa man on Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country. The Mayor Lina Messina followed with thanking First Nation mob, dignitaries present and thanking all those who made this event happen. MC for the night was Gman from 3KND.
This opening night of FUSE celebrated the sounds of Darebin's finest Indigenous artists, featuring a live performance by rising soul star Kee'ahn, and electric DJs set by renowned creative presence Soju Gang, multi-talent ex-Willow Beats creative DJ KYAANZ and Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri and Walkandi-Woni woman SOVBLKPSSY. Visuals on the night were provided by Yorta-Yorta multidisciplinary artist Moorina Bonini.
FUSE is set to transform the previous festival offerings of Darebin Music Feast, Darebin Homemade Food & Wine Festival and Darebin Community & Kite Festival into an eclectic, new multi-disciplinary arts and cultural festival, delivered twice a year every Autumn and Spring. This new model still contained many of the successful elements of Darebin’s rich history of festivals, and than build on that success. Our aspiration is to become a dynamic, contemporary city known for its creativity and welcoming community and this new approach to festivals is a bold and exciting new step for the City of Darebin. And one we hope you will experience to the fullest. After all, art is yours.