Tim Minchin coming Home for PIAF

• Home-grown event to open Perth International Arts Festival

• Free show suitable for the whole family

• All-star line-up including The Triffids, John Butler, Kim Scott and Tim Winton

• Supported by the State Government through Lotterywest and Tourism WA 

Western Australia's own Tim Minchin, renowned musician, actor, comedian and writer, will join a stellar line-up of fellow sandgropers for the 2016 opening event of the Perth International Arts Festival, Home.

Billed as an epic celebration of landscape, culture and community, Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Home would resonate with West Australians and visitors alike.

"This free, one-off theatrical spectacular will explore what 'home' means to some of our most celebrated artists, in their own words and interpretations," Dr Hames said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate local talent that has made it on the world stage such as Tim Minchin, who will make an exclusive appearance, as well as the likes of The Triffids, John Butler, Kim Scott, Tim Winton and many more.

"The State Government is proud to support such an accessible and meaningful event to launch what is sure to be another successful Perth International Arts Festival."

Home is directed by Nigel Jamieson, known for grand public performances including the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony.

Mr Jamieson has collaborated with Noongar elder and artist Dr Richard Walley, who will present a spectacular Welcome to Country to mark 40 years since Australia's first civic Welcome to Country which occurred in WA.

The Minister said the State Government had a strategy in place to increase the value of tourism to $12 billion by 2020, and events played a critical role in helping to achieve that goal.

"Events such as this attract visitors and generate media exposure," he said.

"I firmly believe that having a range of events to watch, experience or actively participate in adds vibrancy to the State."

The Perth International Arts Festival is the longest running annual, international arts festival in the southern hemisphere and offers world-renowned theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature and free community events.

Fact File

• The Perth International Arts Festival runs from February 11 to March 6, 2016

• Home will be held at Langley Park from 7.30pm on Saturday, February 13, 2016

• Chevron Festival Gardens opens at Elizabeth Quay on February 11

• For more information, visit http://perthfestival.com.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300