Get ready for the 2023 Fairfax Youth Festival

Key Works

  • Square Pegged

    A new ensemble work about what is normal created by fifty young people from rural Australia in the space of seven days at the 2023 Fairfax Youth Festival.

  • War of the Worlds

    A new script in development is being workshoped by young artists from Arena Youth Theatre, Riverland Youth Theatre, D'Faces Youth Theatre and the Fairfax Youth Ensemble.

  • Marruk 2023

    Reigniting the award-winning Marruk Ensemble and bringing culture, connection and community to the 2023 Fairfax Youth Festival.

  • The Stories That Make Us

    18 short films for the Fairfax Youth Ensemble - bringing together the voices and stories of young people from across the Murray Mallee.

Introducing our 2023 Fairfax Festival theme

Back to Normality

  • A gathering like no other.

    Step into a world where young minds collide, ideas flourish, and creativity knows no bounds. Join us at the Fairfax Youth Festival, a dynamic showcase of talent and innovation. Witness over 150 young people from rural and regional communities coming together in Swan Hill to unleash the creative power of youth.

  • A life changing creative jamboree.

    Imagine being immersed in a vibrant sea of artistic inspiration, surrounded by 150 passionate young individuals. The Fairfax Youth Festival is a transformative experience for young people with exhilarating workshops and masterclasses led by Australia's leading artists.

  • Together we make something amazing.

    By joining the Fairfax Youth Festival, you become a catalyst for change in the Murray Mallee region. Witness the full force of young people's creativity as it reverberates throughout the community, leaving a lasting imprint on hearts and minds.

  • Honouring an incredible legacy.

    Our namesake, George Fairfax AM, was creative, imaginative, adventurous, and collaborative. He was a country boy from our region who shaped local, national, and international arts and creative industries. This is the 25+ year legacy of Fairfax Youth Initiative.

2023 Fairfax Festival Guest Artists & Mentors

  • Rinske Ginsberg

    Living Legend of Melbourne Fringe & Former Head of Movement at the Victorian College of the Arts

  • Nate Gilkes

    Helpman Award-Winning Music Director, Composer & Theatre Visionary

  • Fleur Kilpatrick

    Award-Winning Writer & Artistic Director of Riverland Youth Theatre

  • Lachlan Woods

    Star of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Theatre, Film and TV Actor,

  • Christian Leavesley

    Artistic Director of Arena Theatre Company

  • Chelsea Zeller

    Comedian, Improvisor, Writer, Film Maker & Actor

  • Imparja Pettit

    Marruk Project Director, Didgeridoo player, Aboriginal Educator & Alumnus of the Fairfax Youth Festival and The Marruk Project

  • Laura Burzacott

    Actor, Singer, Cabaret & Theatre Maker

  • Angela Frost

    Multi-award winning community cultural development artist and theatre maker.

  • Morgan Rose

    Artistic Director Rawcus Theatre

  • Nikita Morganson

    Contemporary Indigenous Artist, Cultural Facilitator and Storyteller

  • Mark Leahy

    Percussionist, Musician, Sound Designer & Community Artist

  • Michal Hughes

    Creative Producer from D’Faces and Drama Tutor

  • Kat Kats

    Writer, Curator, & Theatre Maker

  • Kayla Hamil

    Clown, Comedian, & Theatre Making Superstar

  • Michael Gosden

    Award-winning filmmaker, director, producer

  • Alysha Herrmann

    Creative producer, writer, performance-maker and community organiser

  • Anthony Crowley

    Multi-award-winning playwright, composer, director, designer, dramaturge and educator.

  • Bryce Ives

    Director, Theatre Maker, Broadcaster & Artistic Director of the Fairfax Youth Festival

  • Jo Porter

    Theatre Producer, administrator and the CEO of Regional Arts Victoria

Fairfax Youth Festival   October 1 to October 8