Brisbane ready to ‘wok and roll’ as BrisAsia Festival 2020 prepares to launch

Brisbane’s central hubs and suburbs are abuzz with the beginnings of vibrant transformations in anticipation of BrisAsia Festival 2020, set to take the city by storm from 1-29 February this year.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said there would be something for all Brisbane’s residents and visitors to see and do: from dance and art, to food markets and live cooking demonstrations – everyone would be able to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant and diverse cultures.

“BrisAsia Festival 2020 marks the eighth time this festival has taken place in our wonderfully diverse city. The program of events is one of the most exciting to date, with offerings not only in Brisbane’s central hubs like Fortitude Valley Mall and Queen Street Mall, but spreading across our suburbs too, making celebrations more accessible to everyone,” he said.

“Feast on traditional and modern Asian cuisine at one of the bustling night markets like the Aspley BrisAsia Bazaar or Valley of Spices in the Chinatown Mall, absorb yourself in the colours of India at the Brisbane Holi Festival of Colours or be mesmerised by the fluidity of dancing dragons at the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival.

“Those looking for something a little more niche are also in luck, with some quirkier events including horticultural workshops on growing Asian produce in Brisbane Gardens, Sip and Paint events with featured artist Yin Lu, or Food Discovery Tours in Sunnybank on Brisbane’s southside – to name a few!”

Speaking about the jam-packed schedule for this year’s celebrations, Cr Schrinner said the much-loved festival would see inclusions from local artists, highlighting the importance of BrisAsia as a platform celebrating the city as a melting pot of cultures.

“We’re excited to showcase artistry and passion for the Asian culture from local, Brisbane-based talent once again this year, with fine art, music and dance highlighted heavily throughout the program,” Cr Schrinner said.

“From Yin Lu, a 22-year-old Brisbane-based Chinese Australian artist, who focuses on reflecting Asian culture in her mural and street artwork, to John Fu, a Malaysian-born Australian immigrant showcasing his Australian journey, the displays reflect the importance of our diverse city.

“The festival couldn’t be brought to life without the expertise of this year’s producers, Dr. Anthony and Jennifer Garcia, Paviter Noori and Gemma Truong, who all have expansive experience in the arts and seeing the importance culture plays in shaping artistic outputs.

“I encourage everyone to take part in what will no doubt be an unmissable month of events for your 2020 calendars – and a real highlight among the thousands of markets, festivals and events Council helps to deliver each year.”

For more information and to view the full program of events, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 3403 8888.