Emerge Festival 2012

Besides celebrating cultural unity, Emerge is all about the vibrant storytelling, music, arts, crafts, food and film refugees bring to Australia

First published on 7 May 2012. Updated on 16 May 2013.

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Melbourne’s a multicultural metropolis all year round, but June and July see global culture veritably explode onto the street with Emerge Festival, a celebration of international communities. It coincides neatly with Refugee Week and U.N. World Refugee Day; you can show your support for the human side of this political hot potato at the World Refugee Day Rally, as well as Refugee Week theatre performances and art exhibitions. The jewel of the fest is a truly epic day-long street party on June 17th, packed with food and market stalls, phat international beats and cultural workshops out the wazoo. You don’t to embark on an O.E. to experience the gorgeous sight and scent of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, or the irresistible tug of Sudanese rhythms: it’s all happening right here.

Emerge Film Festival
Spread over three days, these flicks showcase emerging overseas talent with a focus on youth and refugees. Treasury Theatre, 1 Macarthur St, Melbourne. July 3-5, 5.30-10pm. Free.

Main Event
A block party on Napier St, with a slew of stalls, food and workshops for absolutely everybody, including musical talent from Multicultural Arts Victoria’s music mentorship project. Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy. June 17, noon-5pm. Free.

Visible Music
A funky-fresh collab between Jason Heerah of Electric Empire and Ethiopian newcomer Bitsat Seyoum; it’s musical synergy like no other. Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. June 21, 7pm. $25-$35.

Words by Josh Harris |

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