Bunnies light up Perth's arts scene
Cultural festivities are continuing well after the Perth International Arts Festival and Fringe World at major community events around the metropolitan area.
Fiesta 2015 is in full swing in South Perth, where a set of giant luminous rabbits are commanding attention on the foreshore at Sir James Mitchell Park.
The 7m white bunnies, Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer's light art installation Intrude, have hopped into Perth after being a big hit at the Vivid Festival in Sydney.
"We have noticed a growing hunger for arts and culture in the last few years which is no longer restricted to organisers such as PIAF," City of South Perth arts and events co-ordinator Sabrina Bruni said. "Our residents are themselves demanding that sort of quality arts in general as an expectation.
"Local governments are moving away from your family fun day-type events and looking at bringing more boutique and tailored arts events to the community."
Parer said her ethereal artwork was meant to evoke childhood memories of hugging pets but the title Intrude reflected the environmental destruction caused by feral animals. "The size of the rabbits is a big factor, too," she said. "They are a bit like the elephant in the room.
"We know it is there but we don't talk about it. We're aware of what we are doing to nature but we put it aside."
South Perth's Fiesta ends on Saturday with a free concert by Australian bands Sheppard and Thirsty Merc.
The Joondalup Festival, named WA's best community event at the 2014 Australian Event Awards, opens the following weekend.
"The city has worked hard to position the Festival as a multi-arts cultural event attracting local, national and international performers, and expanding its reach and relevancy," Joondalup mayor Troy Pickard said.
Over the April 4-6 Easter weekend, the Fremantle Street Arts Festival will feature more than 20 acts selected from around the world.
