The Perth Festival kicks off this week and, though a lot of Western Australians are excited, no one is on more of a high than Anna Reece, the festival’s artistic director.
It’s a homecoming for Reece, who first came on board with the festival 10 years ago as the executive producer of The Incredible and Phenomenal Journey of The Giants, a show-stopping spectacle that played to an audience of more than a million people.
We spoke to Reece about the festival and her favourite people and places around the city.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWTell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Anna, I’ve lived and breathed arts and culture my whole life and I’m the first Western Australian artistic director of Perth Festival. It’s my literal dream job. My first festival kicks off this weekend and I am beyond excited.
What do you love about Perth?
I love the west coast attitude. I think we are a bit more “rancho relaxo” here in our isolated city of sprawling neighbourhoods, open skies and endless beaches. It’s why people stay here or come back home after getting their fix elsewhere.
What's the best thing about Perth Festival?
The epic stories, big ideas, amazing artists, and those magic summer moments that bring people together.
Tell us about a few events you're really excited about.
We are bringing two iconic spaces to life in 2025: the East Perth Power Station and Perth Town Hall. The power station is being reawakened with a different electricity coming alive with a huge free and ticketed program of music and art. Our CBD hub is at Perth Town Hall, which we are turning into The Embassy, a place to experience more intimate acts and participate in big conversations.
Tell us about someone or something that makes Perth a better place?
Our Noongar elders. The most knowledgeable, grounded, generous and wonderful members of our community. I’m proud to learn and listen and walk beside them every day.
Where’s your favourite place to grab a bite in Perth?
Little Loaf in South Freo. Saturday morning, drop in to pick up a bacon-and-egg bap, a conti roll or one of their specials is my delicious ritual.
What's the most underrated spot in Perth?
Underrated or maybe just under the radar are the local bowling clubs of Perth. These little places are full of characters that hum with community, and affordable ice-cold pints.
Where's your favourite late-night spot?
Astral Weeks. Great vinyl, a world-class sound system and topnotch sake make it the perfect after-hours nook to spend hours with great pals.
Where would you take someone you're looking to impress?
Straight to the beach for a west coast sunset. Cold drinks, hot and salty fish’n’chips (plus a pineapple fritter), toes in the sand watching the sun dipping into the Indian Ocean. It’s a winner every time. When it comes to my favourite beach? I’d never disclose!
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