Early last year Darebin Council merged its major arts events into a new arts festival called FUSE, with a program designed to showcase the richness and diversity of Darebin’s arts community twice a year, in autumn and spring. Unfortunately COVID put a bit of a dampener on things in 2020, but this year (fingers crossed) it is full steam ahead and the Darebin arts team has put together a wonderful festival ready for us all to explore.

Running from 11th to the 28th March, you can visit art exhibitions, attend live music and theatre, participate in workshops or art walks, and discover the hidden events and unexpected happenings that are part of FUSE.

Program highlights include:

• The Art of Storytelling in Song, a performance in conversation with Mick Thomas and Jessie Lloyd at Preston Reservoir Bowls Club, Friday 19 March.

• Suburban Vintage, an exhibition at Darebin Arts Centre by award winning photographer Laki Sideris, illuminating the traditions and personalities behind the Darebin amateur homemade wine competition. (20-27 March.)

• Women of Soul, a special ten year anniversary musical event celebrating the resilience of female artists in Darebin.

• The premiere screening of Ganbu Gulin: One Mob, a moving documentary that tells the story of Darebin’s decision to cease celebrations on 26 January. Preston City Hall, 13 March.

• Paradise Lots, a live theatre experience from experimental theatre company Pony Cam, and a group of young artists. See an urban carpark transformed into a large-scale performance space and challenge your unchecked assumptions about youth. 19-21 March (location details on registration)

To see the full program, book in and find out more visit www.fusedarebin.com.au. Note that most events are free.

No matter who you are, you’re bound to discover something that moves, intrigues or connects you. Sounds great hey? Aren’t we so lucky to have this on doorstep, and to live in a community that values and celebrates the arts.