Arts venues and public spaces across Hobsons Bay will host a program of exhibitions, installations, workshops and performances as part of Melbourne Fringe – Victoria's longest-running multi-arts festival.
Fringe in Hobsons Bay is an opportunity for Council and local arts organisations to support the development and performance of new works, highlight diverse stories, and increase access to the arts within the community.
The 2025 program includes events at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton, The Substation in Newport, Williamstown Beach and Commonwealth Reserve in Williamstown, as well the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona.
Melbourne Fringe 2025 commences on 30 September and runs until 19 October. Events and programs across Hobsons Bay include:
Transcriptions - Joel Gallery at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, Altona and Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
A multi-site exhibition amplifying personal truth and collective storytelling through the eyes of emerging artists from Melbourne's west. Presented by arts mentorship program Wunder Gym in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council and Wyndham City Council.
Resonance - The Substation, Newport – 1 to 4 October
The Victorian premiere of a new dance work by award-winning choreographer James Batchelor and collaborators.
The Quieter You Become - The Substation, Newport – 15 to 18 October
An interactive sound installation performance by Tilman Robinson.
Voices – Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown – 10 to 12 October
Temporary public art installation by Pulsing Heart that responds to people with light and choral music. A great time to experience Nelson Place, waterfront Williamstown. Supported through Hobsons Bay City Council's Make It Happen grants program.
The Break – Williamstown Beach – 8 to 11 October
An outdoor dance performance at Williamstown Beach, where choreography and coastline merge.
Audiences are also invited to the Ocean Forum – a free panel discussion about community and creativity in coastal environments on Saturday 11 October.
The Break is presented by Zoë Bastin Dance in association with The Substation, with support from Hobsons Bay City Council and Melbourne Fringe.
Common Ground, Extraordinary People - Woods and Lohse Street precinct, Laverton
Through place-based public art and a series of fun, multimedia workshops, 'Common Ground, Extraordinary People' by Little Picture Window celebrates community in Laverton.
Whatever Knitting Takes Me – Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
Artist Peter Spring brings knitting into the spotlight and explores its potential as an act of social connection, from streets across Melbourne to an installation and free knitting event at Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton.
Ivy and Sylvia - Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre – 1 to 12 October (select nights)
Tells the story of two nurses who worked at the former Altona Hospital (now Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre) in the 19th century. Together, Ivy and Sylvia remember their past, navigate their relationship in the afterlife, and discuss not only what's changed about the state of healthcare in Australia, but also what's stayed the same.
Written by Mia Boonen and presented by Dramawerkz.
To book tickets or learn more about Fringe, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Fringe
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Daria Kellander:
"We are proud to support Melbourne Fringe events and programming in Hobsons Bay, and to continue to see plenty of involvement in our city this year.
"By supporting festivals like these we ensure opportunities for locals to participate, and arts organisations and producers to work together, creating a program that includes installations, precinct activations, performances and more.
"It also provides an opportunity to showcase Hobsons Bay through arts and events, and encourages people to visit our part of the west.
"We have plenty of fantastic creative projects right across our city throughout the festival, so make sure you take a look at the program and check them out."
