From June 2021 to June 2022, more than 100 events celebrating Australia’s creativity, diversity and innovation will take place throughout France as part of Australia now. Organised by the Australian Government, Australia now is a public diplomacy programme which is delivered in a different country or region of strategic significance each year. The programme strengthens and deepens bilateral ties, and promotes Australia as a key destination for tourism, study, research and investment.

One of the first events in this year’s Australia now programme will be a dance performance at the Chaillot – Théâtre national de la Danse from the 3^rd-5^th June 2021, entitled Colossus and choreographed by Stephanie Lake.

Two major exhibitions will take place in Paris from June to September 2021. The first one, GULARRI. Waterscapes from Northern Australia at the musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac will shed light on the Yolngu people of Milingimbi Island, Arnhem Land, and how they represent the waterscapes of their land. The second exhibition, entitled Bleached Gothic, which will be on display at the Australian Embassy in Paris, will be dedicated to the works produced by Sydney-based artist Petrina Hicks between 2003 and 2019.

The Palais de Tokyo will also be hosting a major exhibition by the Australian artist Jonathan Jones from October 2021 to January 2022. Untitled (transcriptions of country) will look at colonial transport, trade and the acclimatisation of indigenous plants, animals and objects, together with the colonization of local knowledge.

From the 5^th June to the 7^th November 2021, the City of Le Havre will also be immersing itself in Australian life and culture with “Le Havre, Australian stopover”, a rich and varied programme of events on Australia and its links to this city.

Other highlights of the Australia now programme include a photographic exhibition at the Paris Aquarium dedicated to the reef landscapes of Eastern Australia, a retrospective of 17 Australian films presented at the Cinémathèque française and a three-day food festival at the Carreau du Temple showcasing Australia’s cuisine.

An Australian season at the BHV-Marais department store, featuring Australia’s leading brands and emerging designers, is also being planned for February 2022.

A number of other events including festivals, workshops and conferences will be scheduled, as well as events involving ABIE France.

For more information about the Australia now programme, click HERE.