10 Nights in Port delves into the darkness this winter

Fremantle’s favourite winter arts festival, 10 Nights in Port, will showcase more than 15 mysterious and marvellous installations, exhibitions and performances from 15 to 25 August 2024.

The festival, designed to celebrate Western Australian artists, will bring together an array of subcultures and communities through its 2024 program.

Festivalgoers are invited to embrace the unknown and expand their horizons through exposure to new perspectives and people.

Among the experiences making their debut at this year’s festival is Cracked, a participatory ceramic project and free exhibition led by First Nations ceramicist Alfred Lowe that explores how communities rally and keep hope alive in even the darkest times. 

Taking residence at Fremantle Arts Centre, Cracked will see an illuminated trail of community fires with breathtaking fire sculptures becoming a centrepiece for where neighbours, friends and strangers can share stories, space, time and warmth.

Sweat, Soak, Release is a program of sacred ceremonial sauna rituals inspired by international cultures that will rejuvenate both body and mind, hosted by Neighbourhood Saunas at South Beach.

The festival will take place across more than 10 community spaces throughout Fremantle | Walyalup, with both free-to-attend and paid performances to choose from. 

Additional events programmed to takeover Fremantle for 10 Nights in Port 2024 include: 

Six Seasons Gathering: An exhibition by Nyoongar and Wadjala artists that showcases gathered and shared seasonal resources from the Walyalup Bilya area to create artworks that reflect the Nyoongar six seasons.  Joy Persists: A multi-faceted program of artworks that explore joy, not as a response or in reflection, but in action through visual arts, workshops, film, experimental music and discussion. Potluck: A Feast of Gentle Bravery: A community event where people are invited to bring a plate, pull up a chair to connect and hear some barefaced stories from strangers, who may turn into friends.  CaberGAY: A live performance featuring a vivid smorgasbord of cabaret, theatre, circus, comedy, leather and kink in the heart of Fremantle.

City of Fremantle Arts Manager Sarah Wilkinson says this year’s program aims to depict the diverse cultures that come together to form Fremantle’s vibrant community spirit.

“10 Nights in Port celebrates the people of Fremantle. It invites audiences to brave the outdoors in the height of winter and explore new perspectives.

“Community connection is at the heart of this festival. The program aims to engage festivalgoers through immersive art experiences that enlighten and enrich perspectives through the melting pot of cultures that exist within our local community,” Ms Wilkinson said.

Hidden Treasures, Fremantle’s much-loved music series is taking the winter off. The Festival team is working with the music industry to refresh and relaunch the series. More details will be provided later in 2024.

For the full line-up of 10 Nights in Port events and ticket sales visit 10nightsinport.com.au