Asia TOPA's new program, Knowledge, brings 20 workshops and artist talks to 11 cultural institutions across Melbourne.
Knowledge is a part of the 2025 triennial held from the 20th of February to the 10th of March.
The 2025 triennial will include breath-taking new works across dance, theatre, music, visual art, alongside a new nightlife program and opportunities to connect with artists and creative communities.
For the curious and artistically adventurous, Knowledge acts as a meeting place for artists and learners to shape a creative future together.
Creative director of Asia TOPA, Jeff Khan, said this year's line-up of artist conversations and workshops encourages the public to dig deeper and expand their knowledge
"Asia TOPA's Knowledge program celebrates the connections between generations and offers up-close-and-personal encounters with leading artists from across the Asia-Pacific. Our carefully curated line-up of artist conversations and workshops encourages you to expand your knowledge, learn new skills and connect with creative communities," he said.
With the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Arts as the Presenting Partner, the Knowledge program will encourage exploration of Asia-Pacific art and culture – anchored by two keynote conversations exploring the connections between generations – alongside skills-based Process Labs with artists from the triennial.
University of Melbourne Arts faculty Associate Dean Rachael Diprose said the University is thrilled to be able to support initiatives that connect local and global talent.
"As the Presenting Partner of Asia TOPA's Knowledge program, the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne is proud to help convene impactful conversations and to grow the creative community of the Asia-Pacific through intercultural knowledge-sharing, collaboration and ideas exchange. Like Asia TOPA, the Faculty of Arts fully embraces its distinctive place and purpose within the Asia-Pacific region," she said.
"We are delighted to support initiatives that connect the local and the global, strengthen international relationships and showcase artistic talent. The Knowledge program will undoubtedly enrich the festival experience for artists and audiences alike."
The Generations: In Conversation series brings together groundbreaking First Nations artists to explore their creative journeys and the communities that sustain them. Raymond D. Blanco and Waangenga Blanco alongside Vernon Ah Kee and Rhoda Roberts highlight the enduring impact of family, kinship and cultural strength in art-making.
Meanwhile, art icons the Pacific Sisters and FAFSWAG celebrate the evolution of Pasifika creativity, tracing the bold activists of the 90s through to the shapeshifting mavericks of today.
Knowledge also empowers arts enthusiasts to pick up the tools themselves and build their own springboard into a creative future.
In Asia TOPA's Process Labs – a series of artist workshops - artist Justin Shoulder invites attendees to uncover personal myths and craft their own performance avatar. Also on offer is the chance to compose soundscapes with unconventional instruments with Mindy Meng Wang and Monica Lim, learn hip-hop fundamentals with artists Miss A and Fateeha (Philippines) or learn how to sing the rare Peroveta harmonies from the Tatana Village Choir (Papua New Guinea).
Many Asia TOPA performances also feature post-show Q&As with their lead artists and creative teams. These sessions are a fun and informative way to meet the artists, hear more about what's behind the performances and ask questions about the work.
The full Knowledge program schedule and event times can be found online.
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