The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) has embarked upon its second Djeran/Makuru program, marking the gallery’s first-ever season of contemporary performance.

Showcasing both local, Australian and international dance artists and musicians, the season takes its name from the Noongar seasons: Djeran spans April–May, while Makuru marks the entry of the rain and cold in June–July.

Decibel’s Twin Peaks Was 30. Photo courtesy of Decibel/PICA

“We like to keep on our toes! And 2024 has offered us many opportunities to think about how we invite artists and audiences to experience our wonderful heritage building,” said PICA director Hannah Matthews.

“We are excited to see dance in the gallery, music on the balcony and red velvet curtains experienced in a new way. Many performance makers are looking for new contexts in their work and we are pleased to support their ambition at PICA, a space dedicated to bringing all art forms together.”

From 9–11 May, Decibel New Music Ensemble presents the second work in its Decibel Was series – Twin Peaks Was 30. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of David Lynch’s cult classic Fire Walk With Me, the program restructures the original score and offers new compositions written by Rebecca Erin Smith, Matt Warren and Rachael Dease.

Between 29 May–1 June, PICA joins forces with STRUT Dance for Restore, a program of three recent dance works developed by artists across the Asia-Pacific region. Two existing works – Lush by gemma+molly, and MANU MALO by Aotearoa/New Zealand artists Ta’alili and CONJAH – will be performed next to the premiere of a commissioned work from Serena Chalker and Emma Fishwick, What Came Before.

The performance program concludes with WHEN I AM NOT THERE, a performance-exhibition developed by Melbourne artist and choreographer Shelley Lasica. Repurposing costumes, sound, text and props used in past works amongst brand new material, the work is a retrospective examination of Lasica’s body of work performed for the whole span of gallery’s open hours between 11–23 June.

Read more about PICA’s performance program here.