Festival reinforces Tasmania’s cultural reputation

Tasmanian audiences are again in for an arts treat, featuring work from the far corners of the globe
alongside the outstanding creativity of local Tasmanian artists as the state plays host to the eighth
acclaimed, statewide biennial multi-arts festival – the 2015 Tasmanian International Arts Festival.

With one of the festival centrepieces – the popular Spiegeltent – already in the second week of its
25-day season, the much anticipated statewide component of the festival is now being celebrated
with gala celebrations in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart, offering an array of events across the island
until 29 March.

Artistic Director David Malacari said with artists flying in from as far away as Cuba and Bolivia, over
45 productions and more than 100 festival performances would be available to audiences from King
Island in the north west, George Town in the north and as far south as Bruny Island.

“Since the first Ten Days on the Island event in 2001, the festival has touched the lives of more than
one million people, and in 2015 our program of events aims to build on this – rolling out creative
experiences in each corner of the state and everywhere inbetween,” Mr Malacari said.

“Confronting, diverse, innovative and unforgettable, the 2015 Tasmanian International Arts Festival
program delivers a visual and enriching feast for art lovers of every age, enhancing the state’s
reputation as a hub of cultural and artistic activities.”

Mr Malacari said opening for the festival this evening at St John’s Anglican Church in Launceston,
was the UK’s inventive Stan’s Café Theatre Company, who will explore the concept of belief using a
tiny puppet stage to depict the most recognisable tales from the Bible in The Cardinals.

“While Burnie enjoyed the genre-defying circus cabaret Beyond as part of the Spiegel Sideshow last
night, opening for the festival in Hobart on Friday evening is an Australian exclusive, with South
American company Teatro de los Andes delivering a unique reinterpretation of the Shakespeare
classic Hamlet, in Hamlet de los Andes,” he said.

“Starting today, Tasmanians can choose to see everything from international thought provoking
theatre productions, to immersive overnight maritime experiences; including free outdoor twilight
concerts in some of the state’s most remote locations and an array of visual arts exhibitions to
challenge both the mind and the eye.

“International acts gracing stages across the state include New Zealand’s Dementia 13, the UK’s The
Cardinals, Bolivia’s Hamlet de los Andes, and the UK’s contemporary dance piece Rising.”

Mr Malcari said as the only multi-arts statewide festival in Australia, the Tasmanian International
Arts Festival was a quintessential example of how a cultural asset could enrich the brand of a place.

“Since the first festival in 2001, Ten Days has led the state’s creative industry, adapting and evolving
in order to continue inspiring and entertaining Tasmanian audiences, and the 2015 festival is no
exception,” he said.

“The 2013 Ten Days on the Island event generated an investment return of ten dollars for every
public dollar spent, demonstrating the strong economic value of the international multi-arts festival.

“With more Tasmanians participating in arts than in any other state in Australia, we look forward to
delivering a 2015 festival program that touches the lives of those living in both remote locations or
in city centres.”

For a copy of the Tasmanian International Arts Festival program or to book a show, simply head to
tendays.org.au or phone (03) 6210 5777.

Click here for all details, including program
Lucinda Szczypior, Font PR