About

Parramasala is an international contemporary arts festival that celebrates the global impact of South Asian arts. The city of Parramatta comes alive with 8 days of vibrant arts and entertainment including music, dance, theatre, film, markets and visual arts from around the world.

From striking contemporary dance and profound harmonic chant to one-off international concerts, a dynamic South Asian film program, an immersive performance experience and contemporary art exhibitions, Parramasala, the annual Australian Festival of South Asian Arts, will transform the city of Parramatta from 30 October to 6 November, 2011.

Festival Director of Parramasala, Philip Rolfe said the festival will delight a wide range of audiences with eight days of exceptional sights, sounds and tastes through free and accessibly priced, ticketed performances.

“We have some of the world’s most renowned international artists presenting a number of Australian exclusives right in the heart of the city. The festival is a concentrated set of unique experiences – ones you can have only in central Parramatta. All major artists and attractions in the festival program will not be going to any other destinations in Australia. You can be part of a one-off, never to be repeated event,“ he said.

Rolfe continued, “You have the chance to listen, see, learn about, experience and importantly, enjoy the cultural richness of a region of the world that is becoming more and more important to us and our futures. What you experience is also indicative of the transforming nature of Australia and the embracing of more diversity. So the arts on show at Parramasala are as important to modern Australia as those from our Anglo Celtic and European heritages.”

The central city precinct around Town Hall and St John’s Cathedral Square and the Riverside Theatres precinct will be focal points for the festival, featuring a free outdoor stage, daily ‘Masala’ markets and various performance, film and exhibition venues. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

Parramasala is presented by Parramasala Limited and is supported by Destination NSW and Parramatta City Council. The festival is a key arts event on the NSW Events Calendar.