Wurukur Djuanduk Balag — Ancestors Are Calling — WED 1 AND FRI 4 JUNE

Composed in multiple First Peoples languages by Dr Lou Bennett AM (Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung), the work responds to the First Peoples cultural belongings held in Melbourne Museum. Two performances on Wurundjeri/Woi Wurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

The Return — 18 MAY—4 JUNE

An epic, 250-year fight to return home the captive bodily remains of First Peoples. The Return sees three intersecting narratives of a repatriation officer, a museum curator and a bone collector weave together

Japan In Focus — Thu 9—Sun 12 June

Acknowledging the growing artistic link between Japan and Victoria’s music scenes. This year’s music program has a large emphasis on contemporary music from Japan.

Heavy Congress — Sat 4 June

A baptism of bass, colossal speaker stacks and cross-continental music culture. Feel The Forum shake.

Still Lives : Melbourne — SUN 5 JUNE

The hallowed turf of the MCG replaced with the Great Hall of the NGV. Urgent issues, such as sexism, racism, homophobia and transphobia within sporting culture are revealed through the knotty negotiation between bodies.

Jim White : RISING Artist In Residence — Wed 1—Thu 9 June

As RISING's Artist in Residence, drummer Jim White (Dirty Three) is joined by a string of long-term collaborators across the program.

Banksia — WED 1 JUNE—SUN 12 JUNE

Atong Atem’s Banksia explores the lesser-known history of this country’s first African settlers—one that started long before Atem’s own family arrived from South Sudan in 1997.

Weather Forecast — WED 1—SUN 12 JUNE

History, culture, space and time fold inwards in Weather Forecast, by self-taught Chinese artist Guan Xiao. In a world that’s increasingly digitally mapped, Xiao asks if geographical travel is even necessary.

The Invisible Opera — FRI 10—SAT 11 JUNE

As the everyday action of Federation Square unfolds, a voice and an all-seeing eye seemingly choreograph and narrate the environment in real time, instantly bringing into question, what is real and who is watching.

Ultra Wet Recapitulation — WED 1—SUN 12 JUNE

ULTRA WET RECAPITULATION is a technological temple, in which the wisdom of pre-colonial Africa races into the future, by Tabita Rezaire.

Piano Transplants — WED 1—SUN 12 JUNE

Piano Burning, Piano Drowning and Piano Garden will see the grand instrument overwhelmed by plants, submerged by water and consumed by fire.

The Hole — Thu 9—Sun 12 June

Let’s call a spade a spade. The Hole is a hole. Pick up a shovel and dig. Then fill it back in. Job done.

MONOCHORD — Wed 1—12 June

Hovering just above the flowing waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River) burns a bright line of light. Robin Fox’s MONOCHORD radically alters a well-known city landscape and makes visible the invisible lines that connect us.

Parade for the Moon — WED 1—SUN 12 JUNE

Performers sporting extravagant costumes made by local community groups weave in and out of Golden Square and Chinatown, in recognition of the moon worship and symbolism prevalent in Melbourne’s myriad cultures.

A Miracle Constantly Repeated — Until 12 June

Trains speed in and out of Flinders Street Station, cutting through what were once the Birrarung’s fertile banks teeming with diverse species. But hidden above the station’s platforms, new life forms are emerging.