There’s plenty of evidence to indicate engaging in the arts is beneficial to mental health, says Festival Director Jill Bennett. Access our paywalled content and archive of magazines, regular news and features for the limited offer of $3 per month. Support independent journalism. Subscribe now or log in to continue reading.

Taking place over 22 days, the Festival presents an array of delights both challenging and immersive.

Jonathan Holloway has announced his first festival highlight: a “miraculous” collision of ballet, visual art and electro-pop.

The Gold Coast contemporary arts extravaganza mingles sport and arts in this year’s festival, says AD Louise Bezzina.

Orchestras around the country celebrate the Year of the Rooster as Tan Dun tours Australia.

Composers Matt Rankin and Vanessa Nimmo are harvesting old technology to create new sounds. Access our paywalled content and archive of magazines, regular news and features for the limited offer of $3 per month. Support independent journalism. Subscribe now or log in to continue reading.

Shostakovich in the theatre and concert hall, an eight-hour theatrical marathon and a Vietnamese circus are highlights.

In an extract from his new Platform Paper, the lighting designer discusses a famous scene from La Bohème.

The lively Sydney venue will host an eclectic line-up in 2017 from classical concerts to an illuminated sound bubble.