For two weeks in May, Footscray will transform into a playground of pop-up festivities and events when independent music and arts festival ‘Sleepless’ takes over the west.
Beginning Saturday, May 4, until Sunday, May 19, Sleepless will produce a diverse line-up of immersive experiences, theatre, comedy, film screenings and captivating art installations held in unlikely places.
Artistic director Troy Rainbow said Sleepless has returned to Footscray for the third year in a row because of past years’ success.
“Being a performer and creative in the area and knowing the huge potential that exists was great,” he said.
“As well as the understanding that a strong community exists here and everyone bands together.
“There’s a feeling that the artistic community has become a lot tighter and more open and welcoming.”
Some of the festival highlights include a nocturnal film festival, a performance piece from Lady Mohawk, a collaboration between local musicians, improv performances at Kindred Bandroom, a multi-channel video visualisation, a mobile concert and more.
Rainbow said the festival will make Footscray a safer and more vibrant, night-time destination.
“Done by bringing in and galvanising the existing creative community in Footscray, and activating a lot of unused shopfronts and spaces with novel art and performance experiences,” he said.
“We wanted to create this festival to invigorate the street space, now three years on it has grown a lot.”
The full program can be found at sleeplessfestival.com
Some events are free and some are ticketed, and bookings are essential.
Jennifer Pittorino
