The Board of Perth International Cabaret Festival (PICF) announces with deep regret, that the 2025 Cabaret Festival will not proceed in Perth and that PICF will cease operations effective immediately.
Despite five extraordinary years of artistic achievement, community engagement, and growing cultural and economic impact, PICF has been left with no choice but to close due to a critical shortfall in funding.
As the last remaining state in Australia to have a dedicated cabaret festival, PICF was established in 2019 to celebrate the art of cabaret and bring world-class talent to the iconic stages of His Majesty’s Theatre.
Over five years, PICF showcased more than 300 artists in over 100 shows, attracting thousands of audience members from across Perth, regional WA, interstate and overseas. In 2024 alone, PICF generated over $4.5 million in multiplied total economic impact, drawing more than 5,800 attendees and showcasing 50 diverse artists.
Led by Helpmann Award-winning Artistic Director Michael Griffiths, PICF quickly became a cultural home for diversity, creativity and inclusion. Performers have included national and international luminaries such as Caroline O’Connor, Vika & Linda Bull, Lior, Deborah Conway, Meow Meow, Carlotta, Tom Burlinson, Mama Alto, Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, the late Rick Steele and many more.
With thanks to Lotterywest and City of Perth, PICF also offered free community events including performances, open mic nights, artist Q & A’s and workshops, expanding access and nurturing WA’s next generation of cabaret talent.
While support from its dedicated patrons, valued partners, funders and committed Club Cabaret supporters has been strong, PICF has unfortunately not secured the essential core recurrent funding necessary for day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability.
“This is a heartbreaking outcome for a Festival that consistently delivered cultural, social, and economic value,” said PICF Chair, John Poulsen. “We created something truly special and it’s devastating to see it leave a hole in the winter arts and events calendar in Perth – not because of a lack of vision, passion or success, but because foundation financial support could not be secured.”
“Our small but passionate team was on the brink of announcing a world-class 2025 program, including international acts, alongside local and national artists. The cancellation now affects over 50 artists and a wide range of local suppliers and contractors who were counting on the work.”
“We were looking forward to Perth International Cabaret Festival being part of the state government’s Creative WA 10 year strategic plan which supports the growth of emerging talent and making WA a place where local creatives stay to work, produce and mentor others and where those who have left are encouraged to come home to a vibrant and thriving sector.”
“We are incredibly proud of what PICF stood for – diversity, excellence, and joy. We thank our artists, staff, volunteers, partners, funders, supporters and most importantly, our audiences. This Cabaret Festival belonged to Perth and Western Australia and it deserved to thrive, said Poulsen.
- Delivered 105+ shows and events to more than 15,000 audience members
- Presented more than 300 artists – over 60% from Western Australia
- Presented 12 West Australian premieres, 5 Australian premieres and 20 World Premieres
- Injected over $4 million directly into the WA economy with an estimated $10 million total economic impact
- Were the first arts organisation to: have a smoking ceremony on the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre, reconfigure His Majesty’s to have cabaret tables over the orchestra pit and to create a new performance space – On the Boards; an immersive audience and artist on-stage configuration
- Were the first outside of South Australia to host the world’s only female disabled pop group
- Maintained a 98% audience return rate annually
- Attracted 5-10% attendees from outside Perth with an average 3-night accommodation stay
- Represented a diverse spectrum of performers (ages 17 to 80, across cultures, identities and abilities)
- Exceeded DLGSCI Culture Counts benchmarks each year in presentation, excellence, meaning, access and diversity
- Welcomed Gina Williams AM and Guy Ghouse as Patrons for PICF (ongoing)
- Forged a strong working partnership with Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the largest and longest running cabaret festival in the world.
Founded in 2019 by Graham Lovelock and Ali Welburn, PICF was born from the recognition that WA lacked a festival dedicated to cabaret and was the only state to not have one. Drawing inspiration from the highly successful Adelaide Cabaret Festival (now in its 25th year), the inaugural PICF launched at His Majesty’s Theatre in 2021, quickly forging strong artistic and cultural ties with local and national artists and partners.
A Petition to SAVE Perth International Cabaret Festival has been started. To sign the Petition, visit: www.change.org
For more information about Perth International Cabaret Festival, visit: www.perthcabaret.com.au for details.
Image: Perth International Cabaret Festival Closing Night Gala 2024 (sourced)