BRISBANE DAZZLES ONCE AGAIN
ANNUAL FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS LOVE OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN A CROSS-CITY DISPLAY DESIGNED TO TURN HEADS AND DELIGHT THE SENSES
Whether you’re a diehard lover of the arts or just looking to dip a toe in the world of culture, the annual BrisFest is sure to have something to fit the bill.
The 23-day cultural extravaganza came back with a bang in 2021, bringing together some of the state’s best and brightest creative minds and artists to put a vibrant array of performances on the stage.
BrisFest has long been a beloved staple of the city’s arts and culture scene, but the devastating impact of Covid on the sector made this year even more significant for both artists and the community.
With this year’s festival aptly dubbed Brightly Brisbane, it was a testament to the dedication of performers and organisers that the event program was as jam-packed as ever despite Covid pressures.
Dozens of events lit up stages and outdoor venues right across the city, with everything from theatre and dance to live art installations and innovative modern galleries.
The South Bank precinct was the hub of all things arts and culture during BrisFest, with its various venues hosting many of the festival’s biggest events .
Wet weather moved the opening ceremony from its stunning outdoor venue on the banks of the Brisbane River to inside the Southbank Piazza, but not even the rain could put a damper on the event.
The highlight of the opening was by far the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by Shannon Ruska, a proud Yuggera and Turrabal man and managing director of Tribal Experiences.
Acknowledging the connection to country and heritage of First Nations peoples across Queensland from the Torres Strait down to the border, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander troupes then performed traditional dance and music in a proud display of culture.
Ruska then led a smoking ceremony that had the entire audience involved and on their feet, asking guests to take the energy from the traditional cleansing to set the tone for a peaceful path into September.
The show certainly didn’t stop there, with a dazzling one-man show from Packed to the Rafters star Hugh Sheridan kicking off the official BrisFest 2021 program.
Mixing classics from Frank Sinatra and modern hits with a heavy jazz influence, Sheridan interspersed his performances with often emotional and raw stories about his personal journey and career.
Another major event of the opening weekend was the First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds show, again held at the South Bank Piazza.
Australian artist Grace Lillian Lee brought together a stunning range of contemporary garments and textiles from First Nations designers to the one runway in a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage.
This year’s BrisFest boasted the strongest ever Indigenous representation, with 157 First Nations artists across the program.
South Bank also hostedseveral interactive exhibitions including the Imaginaria art installation, an immersive experience for all ages and interests.
From a futuristic light maze to interactive light sculptures and giant architectural inflatables, Imaginaria invited guests to tap into their inner creativity and play with the audio-visual elements of every piece.
South Bank is also one of Brisbane’s biggest dining and entertainment precincts, with dozens of restaurants and bars offering myriad cuisines and budgetary options for every guest.
One of the stand-out and most popular options is The Spaghetti House Trattoria, a modern twist on traditional Italian food with a delicious cocktail, wine, or beer option to compliment each dish.
It is also home to family-friendly attractions such as the South Bank Streets Beach, several parks and playgrounds, and kilometres of footpath for a relaxing walk along the Brisbane River.
Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation options suitable to every type of trip and budget, from Airbnbs to more luxury stays such as the Emporium Hotel.
Also just across the river from the Brisbane CBD is the vibrant West End precinct, a growing neighbourhood known for its bohemian and casual lifestyle.
During BrisFest its cutting-edge Metro Arts gallery housed an exhibit titled The Mechanics of Adaptation.
Spread across two gallery spaces and inspired by revered artist Marcel Duchamp’s 1913 piece Bicycle Wheel, the exhibit was both an exploration of turning ordinary objects into art and commemorating the end of Brisbane’s 10-year CityCycle project.
Brisbane artists Ross Manning, Kinly Grey, Susan Hawkins, Aishla Manning, and Sarah Poulgrain worked with youth group Traction to turn individual parts from the hundreds of decommissioned bicycles into thought-provoking works.
From film-focused pieces to dynamic sculptures made entirely from wheel rims and handlebars, the exhibit both reflects on art history while making prominent growing concerns around environmental awareness and sustainability.
The modern and environmentally conscious artworks are representative of the ethos of West End, where visitors can shop at almost daily farmers’ markets or dine at a huge array of locally owned cafes and restaurants.
The north side of Brisbane had plenty on offer throughout BrisFest and year-round.
The launch of the inaugural Brisbane Art Boat let guests experience immersive artworks while floating along the Brisbane River.
The boat was centered around the giant inflatable and luminescent artworks Sky Castle and Airship Orchestra by art and tech studio ENESS, which played with both light and sound to create a unique experience.
Complete with a well-stocked bar and refreshments with live entertainment from
musicians and a native soundscape by Tribal Experience, the sunset cruise from Northshore to Teneriffe was an unique experience.
The innovative art installation was a strong indicator of the flourishing Northshore precinct, which has dozens of developments springing up along its almost 3km of riverside land.
Already home to the hugely popular Eat Street Markets that houses about 50 small food vendors, residents and visitors to the area can expect a spate of new industrial and entertainment developments within the next several years.
Portside Wharf is another popular dining area in Hamilton, including both quick and easy takeaway options with restaurants such as Byblos, offering a sumptuous range of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes enjoyed best with a cocktail and view across the Brisbane River.
BrisFest is spread across the city centre to celebrate its lively arts and culture scene, hosting annual favourites such as Riverfire alongside live street performances and more.
This year’s Brightly Brisbane festival was the ultimate display of the city’s fun and lively vibe and underscored it as an ideal getaway spot for with something for everyone’s taste.
LUXURY STAY
Whether you’re staying in Brisbane for a business trip, solo getaway, or something with the whole family, Emporium Hotel at South Bank is a first-class stay for every occasion.
With complimentary valet parking upon your arrival to the friendly and welcoming service as you check in, the whole team is committed to making your experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
The rooms are luxurious and fully stocked with everything you’ll need during your stay, from a mini bar and refreshments to fluffy robes and toiletries.
Almost all of the suites offer beautiful views such as across the South Bank parklands or the Brisbane River and city skyline.
Emporium also offers a range of in-house dining options for its guests.
Patisserie Belle Epoque and all-day rooftop restaurant The Terrace will have guests covered for breakfast and lunch dining, while venues including Signature and Piano Bar offer a more refined night-time experience.
The hotel’s location on South Bank’s main street means it’s within walking distance of dozens of vibrant restaurants and shops, as well as easy access to the rest of Brisbane via public transport or taxis and rideshares.
Emporium Hotel isn’t the least expensive stay in the area, but is worth the splurge if you’re after a luxury experience.
The writer was a guest of Brisbane Festival and Tourism and Events Queensland.
CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN IMAGE: The Airship Orchestra installation on the Brisbane Art Boat, Lost exhibition in the West Village; Jumoo Welcome to Country/cleansing ceremony at South Bank Piazza and the Imaginaria exhibit at South Bank.