FUSE is committed to showcasing all the talent, creativity, and art that the community of Darebin has to offer. Part of the Spring 2023 program is FUSE@Large, an open access, multi-arts program where any artist, maker and creator can host an event under the umbrella that is FUSE so long as it is happening in Darebin during the festival. 
This Spring, Darebin locals and creatives alike will bear witness to performances never experienced before. From art exhibitions to audio-visual installations, festivalgoers will be spoilt for choice.
The Rezza Mural Launch celebrates the five new murals that have been installed throughout Reservoir. The murals explore Reservoir’s diverse and multicultural community, its natural landscapes, flora and fauna, to highlight what makes Reservoir so “uniquely Rezza.” Artists included: Texta Queen, Christine Martin, Abbey Rich and Olana Janfa, Hayden Dewar and Emily Green. 9 September – Cnr Cheddar Road & Broadway
Escaping Gravity, an audio-visual installation by UK artists, created by Darebin-based, inclusive arts organisation, JOLT Arts. A collaborative, two-year cinematic project created by six artists during the pandemic, it delves into human themes like birth, death, atmospheric role, folly, and the climate crisis, using the R101 Airship’s story as a metaphor. The experience has been created using Unreal Engine gaming software and incorporates film and archive airship footage set against an original symphony, combining choral voices with abstract sound transporting the viewer on a journey through digital landscapes. 2 – 17 September – JOLTED Arts Space, Northcote
The inaugural Same Page Art Book Fair, hosted by Gertrude Contemporary and Perimeter Books. The art book fair showcases local retailers, independent publishers, printers, and artists in a hub for exciting art-related publishing. Alongside a curated selection of stalls, the Fair will also feature public programs and book launches all weekend. Food and drinks will be served by the creative Long Prawn team. 2 – 3 September, Gertrude Contemporary, Preston
In an act of theatrical anarchy, three artists join forces to create a performance that encourages the audience to rethink what is bad art. BAD DRAG featuring Drag Kings Liv Bell,Randy Roy, and Charlotte Lynch explores creating intentionally unlikable art. The show explores this through drag – an art form that has historically confronted notions of acceptability and ‘good taste,’ but is now itself being restricted by conventions and political opinion. 14 – 16 September, Northcote Uniting Church – Chalice
Join the Northern Choir Fest 2023, a celebration of community and school choirs. This ticketed event is open to the public and will feature local choirs like ARCappella, ARC Children’s & Youth Choir, All of Us, Keytones Choir, Thornbury High School, Voices of Yarra, and Glee West. Special guests include the renowned a-cappella group Ginger & Tonic, who will lead a massed choir performance. 10 September, Darebin Arts Centre
Papa M (USA) With Special Guests creates beautiful instrumental and vocal music at this year’s FUSE Festival. David Pajo, the leader, is a skilled guitar player who expertly conveys dark emotions. His latest album, A Broke Moon Rises, is a meditative acoustic record without words, perfect for those in need of solace. Papa M is known for Live From A Shark Cage, a classic minimal album, and David Pajo was the guitar hero of the influential rock band, Slint. Papa M is touring Australia in September, with a show at Northcote Social Club on September 9.
FUSE@Large is an open-access program within the FUSE Festival that provides opportunities for local artists and creatives to activate Darebin in unexpected, delightful ways. This program provides opportunities to activate careers for artists, whether they’re just starting out or continuing to grow their audience The full FUSE@Large program is available here.
Top right image: Hayden Dewar mural
Middle left image: Escaping Gravity
