There is an accessible version of this website. You can click here to switch now or switch to it at any time by clicking Accessibility in the footer.

Performing Arts Festival commemorates 200 years of Catholic education in Australia

This year’s 32nd Performing Arts Festival (PAF) will be held at 16 venues throughout the Perth Metropolitan Area after commencing with an opening ceremony last week at St Mary’s Cathedral.

3E7A6921_MH_web
Staff and students of Catholic Education schools were present for the Performing Arts Festival opening ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, 22 July. Photo: Max Hoh.

The festival also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) and joins with the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and schools around the country to commemorate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia.

Organiser Catholic Arts has received 2423 entries, with 16,990 students participating in the festival in 2021.

3E7A6844_MH_web
Staff and students of Catholic Education schools were present for the Performing Arts Festival opening ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, 22 July. Photo: Max Hoh.

The participation of 99 schools – including 11 regional schools – in 32 different categories will be adjudicated from six disciplines (Drama & Speech, Dance, Instrumental Ensemble, Instrumental Solo/Duet, Choral and Christian).

The PAF began on Thursday, 22 July at St Mary’s Cathedral with a Praise and Worship Celebration presided by the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn EV as the Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation.

The festival will conclude with a concert on Monday, 13 September at an alternative venue. After more than 20 years of being held at the Perth Concert Hall, the show will this year be hosted at the RAC Arena. This change will coincide with a different format for the event, including a massed choir, flag procession, and much more.

The Catholic Arts committee is honoured to introduce “The Spirit of the Arts”, which will celebrate the collective of 163 schools in a showcase of lunchtime concerts at Yagan Square and Forrest Place and Carnevale.

Carnevale will continue to be held in Forrest Place with a different format, including market stalls, Visual Arts highlighting Angelico Art Exhibition, and dance.

3E7A6619_MH_web
Staff and students of Catholic Education schools were present for the Performing Arts Festival opening ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, 22 July. Photo: Max Hoh.

“This year, we have brought back Electronic Recordings due to the great response had during 2020 and the difficult situation of COVID. This has allowed more schools and students an opportunity to still be involved and participate in the Arts,” Catholic Arts Chair Darryl Winsor stated.

“For another first this year, the Angelico Art Exhibition for Primary and Secondary Students has been combined into one Exhibition, which will be held at the Forrest Centre in August.

“To all students involved in the festival, we wish you well over the coming weeks and look forward to enjoying a memorable festival,” he concluded.

For more information about the Performing Arts Festival, visit: https://www.catholicarts.wa.edu.au/performing-arts-festival/