Melbourne's iconic Royal Exhibition Building will play host to a cutting-edge line-up of local artists and international headliners, for the new major festival Now Or Never.
The inaugural 17-day event will transform the city, with immersive art, ideas, music and technology experiences. Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building will be one of the festival's major venues, and Now Or Never marks the first large-scale live music performance in the building in more than a decade.
Highlights from the Now or Never music programme in the building include an Australian exclusive from American singer-songwriter and producer Kelela supported by genre-bending avant/R&B musician serpentwithfeet; a club night with live sets and performances from Âme, Axel Boman, CC:Disco!, Ayebatonye, and dameeeela; a sensory experience from English electronic duo Autechre; an electronic show from Bristol duo Giant Swan and thumping live set from UK-based artist Actress; and Orchestra Victoria's take on US composer Steve Reich's 'Music For 18 Musicians' accompanied by a 16-metre-high commissioned video work by Jesse Woolston.
The Royal Exhibition Building will also play host to Never Permanent, presented by internationally-acclaimed design festival Semi Permanent. The line-up with be stack with thought-provoking keynote speakers and panel sessions.
The fun doesn't stop at the Royal Exhibition Building – there will be more to immerse in around Melbourne including in the city, Docklands, and Carlton.
“For the first time in more than two decades, Now Or Never will bring large-scale live music back to the spectacular Royal Exhibition Building – with an unmissable line-up that celebrates our incredible homegrown talent, alongside ground-breaking work from international artists,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp says.
“Now Or Never will be an unmissable addition to our bustling events calendar this winter – cementing Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital, providing a boost to the local economy and supporting jobs.”
Now Or Never takes place in Melbourne from 17 August-2 September.
