A guide to Now or Never: Melbourne's new major festival

words by kaya martin

Now or Never is shedding a light on the unexpected for 17 glorious days this August.

From August 17th to September 2nd, Now or Never will bring futuristic films, illuminating discussions, grandiose displays of public art and cutting-edge performances into every corner of the city. The festival’s debut program is packed with so much fun stuff that it’s almost hard to figure out where to start.

This is where we come in. As an official media partner of Now or Never, we’ve got the scoop on the highlights, stand-outs and do-not-miss events across all genres and mediums. Jot them down on your calendar and get excited – this is only the beginning.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Opening Night Party

Max Watts
August 17

What better way to kick off 17 days of fun than with a free party at Max Watts? Soju Gang and friends will be curating the vibe, spinning tracks late into the night.

Rest is Resistance

Arts House
August 26

Founder of The Nap Ministry Tricia Hersey will be making her Australian debut with a key-note discussion on rest and its radical use.

Now or Never Art Trail

Victoria Harbour Promenade
August 17 to 20

Wander through weird and wonderful displays of multisensory art curated by cutting-edge arts and technology organisation, Experimenta.

This is Not Your Breaking Point

Melbourne Town Hall
August 17 to September 2

In this evocative Nina Rajcic piece, a robotic machine will be hard at work writing AI-generated excuses, affirmations and rationalisations.

Neversphere

Melbourne Museum Plaza
August 18 to September 1

Settle into the bean bag chairs and stare up into the Neversphere: a pop-up geodesic dome with a 360o screen showing mind-bending works of film.

Polar Force: Speak Percussion

Chunky Move Studio
August 30, September 1 to 2

Embark on an auditory journey to Antarctica from the safety of an inflatable shelter.

Kali Malone X MESS Synthesizer Orchestra

Melbourne Town Hall
August 19

In a fusion of old and new, Stockholm-based, American-born composer Kali Malone will perform on Melbourne Town Hall’s haunting grand organ with the MESS Synthesizer Orchestra.

Discussions with Dr. David Suzuki

IMAX Melbourne Museum
August 19

As part of National Science Week, the world-renowned Canadian environmental conservationist David Suzuki will be beaming onto the IMAX screen.

Between the Cracks

RMIT Design Hub Gallery
August 19

This live event brings together four filmmakers for an adaptive exploration of urban-greening.

Never Permanent

Royal Exhibition Building
August 24

Designed for the curious minds among us, Never Permanent brings together some of the world’s most innovative minds for a series of keynote talks and panel discussions.

Live Music at the Royal Exhibition Building

Royal Exhibition Building
August 24 to 27

The stunning venue will host Kelela, serpentwithfeet, Autechre, CC:DISCO!, George FitzGerald and more.

NONSTOP WKND

Various locations
September 1 to 2

70 industry-leading artists. 13 unique shows. Six iconic Melbourne venues—NONSTOP WKND is the choose-your-own-adventure festival within a festival closing out Now or Never with a bang.

Body Crysis

ACMI
August 25 to 27

Created by Harrison Hall, Sam Mcglip and NAXS FUTURE, this piece brings together live and digital art with a soundtrack by Taipei-based experimental rock group, PrairieWWWW.

SACRA at the Shrine of Remembrance

Shrine of Remembrance
September 1 to 2

The Shrine will become the backdrop for a luminous display of projection and sound paying tribute to the building’s history and architecture.

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