Images - BrisAsia Festival 2019
is a
HUGE event that runs from
Sat 9 February to Sun 3 March 2019 across various venues and suburbs across the city. Showcased are all things Asian, from traditional to contemporary arts and cultural events. The program features some of the finest dance, theatre, music, food, film, talks and visual arts. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover and celebrate Asian cultures in Brisbane. Check
all events at the Festival, and start planning that itinerary. Amongst all the events, other than ticketed events, you'll find a host of
freebies to enjoy as well.
There are Art events, the Brisbane Multicultural Sports Festival, a celebration of the Lunar New Year, Tai Chi Qigong, the Food Trail, The Minni Festival of Indian Dance, Dumpling Day, Valentine's Day Tours, Asian Comedians aka Crazy Funny Asians, the Summer Party, the Lunar New Year Rooftop Party, Artists Talk, Festival Markets, Get Your Geek On event, and many other performances to enjoy for
FREE.
For
art on a large scale, you'll find
Vanghoua Anthony Vue's artwork projected onto the
William Jolly Bridge from 6-10 and 20-24 Feb. It's a digital manipulation and exaggerated pixilation of the artist's family photographs from Thailand. These have been built up in several layers, with pixels of various sizes and colours blocking and revealing the original photographic image. It's a subtle, or not so subtle reflection of obscured stories that have been blocked out, lost or incorporated into broader narratives of history.
On a smaller scale, you can learn the Japanese art of rubber stamp carving to create bespoke printed fabrics from Japanese-born Brisbane-based artist Kay Watanabe, whose practice spans printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture and jewellery. You'll find Kay running this
workshop on Sat 9 Feb from 11am-1pm, and a second session from 2-4pm. Bookings are required, so head to the
Museum of Brisbane website to book your $30 ticket.
With Valentine's Day on the horizon, you may well opt to do the
Valentine's Day Tours on
Thu 14 Feb from 6-7pm before you head out for a romantic dinner and evening. It's a walking tour under the stars and you get to meet the young visual artists whose works will be featured. There'll also be fun, interactive games and prizes to be won. To take your interest further, you may want to join the
Artists Talk on
Fri 22 Feb from 7am to 9am at The Lushington in Woolloongabba.
The
BrisAsia Festival Markets on
Sat 23 Feb from 12pm-6pm at Seven Hills Hub in Seven Hills will be a display of the exotic bazaar. There'll be Asian craft stalls, mouth-watering fresh food and stage performances covering the afternoon, so wander through the food stalls and find some handmade treasures.
The Library is getting in on the act as well with the World Kitchen running
Sri Lankan Vegetarian Delights on Sat 9 Feb for an hour from 10.30am;
Vietnamese home cooking on Sun 24 Feb also for an hour from 1.30pm and
Easy Chinese Favourites on Sun 3 Mar from 11am to 12pm, and all for
FREE. You can also learn to grow your favourite Asian spices in your own backyard at
The Spice Garden workshop on Sat 15 Feb from 10.30am to 12pm.
The library is also running Anime films; Asia Pacific screen award nominee films in Japanese with English subtitles;
Maquia where the promised flower blooms, on Thu 28 Feb from 4.30-6pm. Be sure to check which venues they're at before you make your bookings. Though
FREE, some events require you to book due to limited seating. This and other anime like
Mirai are free events running at the libraries.
Other big ticket events include the celebration of the
Lunar New Year on Sun 10 Feb with programs running all day from 12-5pm. The lion and dragon dancers will be there, fire shows, traditional music, cultural performances, interactive workshops, roving street performers and more, to welcome the
Year of the Pig. Head to the
Rooftop Party for the Lunar New Year next on Sat 15 Feb from 4-9pm to further immerse yourself in all the colour and culture that pertains to this event.
The
Holi Festival of Colours on Sat 2 Mar from 12-6pm is an awe-inspiring event that's fun for all ages. Traditionally it's about new beginnings and burying all negativity and forgiveness. Dress in white and be prepared to get dirty when the colour throwing begins.
Symposium: Belonging features the iconic Lee Lin Chin in conversation with ABC Radio National's host Paul Barclay and includes a range of interactive panel discussions and artistic performances. Make a booking for this ticketed event and engage with local and international thought leaders and leave with fresh perspectives, rejuvenated ideas and stronger creative connections.
As you can see, there's a plethora of events to cover, so be sure to stay in touch via the website for updates and more.
