Programming her first Perth Festival, Artistic Director Anna Reece wants to “transform spaces and create unforgettable experiences” for local and interstate arts lovers coming together on Noongar Boodjar between 7 February and 2 March.

Anna Reece. Photo © Duncan Wright

By way of a mission statement for the entire event, Reece “came up with a provocation”, she tells Limelight. “The idea is that it’s a festival of truth tellers and mischief makers. For me, Perth 2025 is about celebrating artists in our culture, and the very necessary role they play in society.”

Residents and visitor will find the Festival hard to miss. From 7 February, an installation of huge beacons titled Karla Bidi – meaning Fire Trail – will illuminate a pathway long the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River. Each beacon is a metaphorical campfire, a symbol of welcome, presence and warmth.

“It’s something that I want to have come back every year,” says Reece. “For me, it’s about the festival connecting to place and community before anyone gets to a box office or buys a...