Mars, magic and mystery at Subi Arts Centre

Life on Mars Camp

11 to 13 April, Subiaco Arts Centre, Gallery, Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 3pm

Would you like to transport your kids to Mars for three days? Keen to foster their passion for outer space and keep them occupied for a few days this Easter? Then read on . . .

Your child’s creative and scientific imagination will be ignited and engaged by this stimulating camp, presented by Edgyx, over three days these Easter holidays, with a space-themed camp which involves creative problem solving, engineering construction challenges and robotics.

Life On Mars Camp is a creative STEM camp with three key themes; Getting to Mars (rocket making), Exploring Mars (Mars rover robot building and use on a set), and Surviving on Mars (building a habitat). Suitable for ages eight to 12, the program runs from Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 3pm.

Camp features:

• Rocket making (with take home rocket)

• Mars lander & ravine landing challenge

• Mini Mars rover construction & command

• NASA rover challenges

• Design and build a Martian colony

• Mars survival challenge

• Astronaut training challenges and much more . . .

Who knows, by the time your child grows up, a holiday on Mars might be on their wishlist.

$365 (pease note, ticket price does not include lunch and snacks).

Da Vinci Challenge

11 to 13 April, Subiaco Arts Gallery, Undercroft, Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 3pm.

If you've got a creative kid twiddling their thumbs this Easter, the Da Vinci Challenge Camp is a three-day action packed STEM experience that engages technically, scientifically and creatively.

]$365 (pease note, ticket price does not include lunch and snacks).

A Midsummer Night's Dream

21 to 23 June, main auditorium, Subiaco Arts Centre

Presented by The Midnite Youth Theatre Company, expect a truly magical evening of love, fairies, a donkey called Bottom and a mischievious Puck who pulls all the strings.

Shakespeare’s most popular comedy breathes new life with joy, magic and love as a feuding King and Queen cross paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play.

As their dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddle with mortal lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities, and transformations...

Don’t miss this reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.

$30 adults, $25 concessions, group rates available. Visit artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au

COMING SOON ...

Subi blooming again this May

In celebration of Mother’s Day weekend, Subi Blooms sees ‘Instagrammable’ floral installations placed at around Subiaco's town centre, landmarks, corners, laneways, and crossroads.

Some decorations on this short-lived art trail also provide a colourful spot to take a seat, or highlight key heritage places on your journey through Subiaco. Wander our streets from 12 to 14 May to spot this year’s fabulous Subi Blooms.

Nathan Bennett has a commanding stage presence. A veteran in the arts, the executive director of the Perth Festival has worked in the industry for over 25 years.

BY Julia D’Orazio | PORTRAIT BY Matt Jelonek

AFTER STARTING HIS career in the arts at Bell Shakespeare in Sydney, Nathan Bennett moved to Griffin Theatre Company before heading to Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theatre Company, taking on the role of director of development. Australia soon called, with Nathan taking on the role of deputy executive director at Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre before heading west to head the Perth Festival.

Despite all the challenges the performing arts faced during the pandemic, Nathan admits getting through it was one of his biggest achievements in Perth. He successfully produced and delivered two Festivals that showcased the best of Perth’s local talent, talents he wishes to further promote in events outside the Perth Festival.

When Nathan isn’t working on bringing a packed arts program to Perth, he performs his most significant role: father to two children. He resides in Subiaco with his family, where his love of creativity, a thriving cultural scene and an engaged community intertwine. Here Nathan shares his love for Subiaco and the arts.

How did you get into the arts industry?

I fell into the arts by accident. I always loved live performances, but never really understood how many career opportunities there were in non-performing roles. My background is in theatre administration, and I have worked for both small and large theatre companies everywhere from Sydney to Philadelphia in the US.

How do you think the arts scene has evolved in Perth?

Perth has an incredibly vibrant arts scene, with some of Australia’s most famous exports starting their careers here. With the summer months jampacked with shows and events, Perth Festival is working on ensuring the rest of our cultural calendar is just as busy.

High Voltage – which we’re producing in partnership with Tourism WA through our Special Projects division – is a repowered version of our 2020 event Highway to Hell and a good example of how we’re delivering new events for the community outside of the summer festival season.

What makes Subiaco one of Perth’s most creative hubs?

People who work in creative industries love to live in Subi! Subiaco Arts

Centre has been a hub for some of Perth’s best-known arts organisations for years; there’s street art all over the place and a growing number of venues to eat and drink late into the night.

Describe your perfect weekend in Subiaco.

Subiaco Farmers Market is the perfect Saturday morning kick-off to grab a coffee and eat something delicious while listening to live local music. I love to explore the area by bike with my kids and discover hidden parks and playgrounds with them.

What do you love about Subiaco?

I love that it’s close to the city and the coast. Everything is within walking distance, the locals are friendly, and there’s a seemingly never-ending supply of top-quality restaurants and bars to explore.

What’s your favourite hidden gem in Subiaco?

Cherubino City Cellar for delicious food and delicious wine!

When in Subiaco, I cannot go past . . .

The pasta at Lulu La Delizia is some of the best I’ve eaten anywhere in the world. When I’m in a hurry, I can’t go past a roast beef baguette from Chez Jean Claude Patisserie

A local’s tip for exploring Subiaco? Wander around the leafy backstreets on foot. Talk to a local over a drink, and take your time!