Music, mini-museums and Kids Sports Day Out activate Yagan Square precinct

Perth’s Yagan Square is to be activated throughout autumn and winter, with the launch of an exciting free events program at the precinct.

The event campaign comes after the Western Australian Government committed $7 million to revamp Yagan Square, including reconfiguration of Market Hall, to deliver a new venue and expand the events and activation program for the precinct.

Funded by the State Government, the autumn and winter program will kick off this weekend with the launch of 'CAN'T CONTAIN MYSELF' - an interactive exhibition featuring two shipping containers set up as mini selfie-museums.

The two containers will be open every day from this Saturday through to the weekend of 30th July, from 8am to 8pm, allowing visitors to snap selfies in front of colourful backdrop themes and optical illusions made for sharing over social media.

The container themes will be revamped each month by Perth street artists, who will be painting live during three 'Container Weekender' events running from 1pm to 7pm in Yagan Square.

The first of these live art events will take place on 14th and 15th May, and will see street artist ArtbyRow and neon-glow street artist Straker revealing the first mini-museum concept for the coming month.

Yagan Square will come alive with free activity across the launch weekend, including a crowd-collaboration art wall and children's urban art activity, accompanied by live music and a DJ set.

The three-month container installation will be supported by a changing program of weekend activities designed to provide a vibrant and entertaining mix of events for all to enjoy.

The curated program of pop-up events will include three 'Yagan Live' weekends combining arts, culture and family fun.

The first of these, starting on Sunday 22nd May,  will feature live music performance art and film, using the Yagan Square digital tower and offering art and design activities.

The second, on Saturday 18th June, will focus on live cultural performances such as salsa, African drumming and Capoeira, while the final Yagan Live event on Saturday 16th July will focus on a live arts event for children as a school holiday finale.

In addition to the Yagan Live weekends, visitors to Yagan Square will enjoy pop-up events and activities, including a Kids Sports Day Out, mini flower market showcasing WA suppliers and produce, and the Makuru Festival - a week of Indigenous programming to round out Reconciliation Week, featuring Noongar culture and history with activities, music and learning opportunities.

Western Australian Lands Minister John Carey notes "our Government is investing $7 million to revitalise Yagan Square, and events and activations like this will play a critical role in bringing the precinct to life and boosting foot traffic through the area.

"The $7 million package we announced will include a revamp of Market Hall to deliver an exciting new venue in the heart of the city, and additional events and activations to attract people into the precinct.

"Right through autumn and winter, there will be a range of free events on offer for people to come and enjoy our city - from families to shoppers, foodies to content creators, this program delivers something for all ages and interests.

"It's particularly great to see the micro selfie-museums land in Yagan Square. This is something that's been embraced in global cities such as Miami, New York and Florence, and provides a fun, free and highly interactive experience that will also showcase the talents of some of Perth's best street artists.

"I encourage people to come and be a part of the activities and events on offer over the coming weeks, and rediscover Yagan Square."

For more information on the autumn and winter events program at Yagan Square, visit www.yagansquare.com.au