Art at Blazing Swan
Art is at the heart of the Blazing Swan experience.
Blazing Swan provides a blank canvas for artists, makers, dreamers, and creators of all kinds. Each year, the temporary city is transformed by installations, sculptures, performances, interactive experiences, and works that defy easy definition.
Unlike galleries or festivals, the art at Blazing Swan is not curated or commissioned. It emerges from the creativity, effort, and imagination of participants who choose to share their work with the community.
Every piece is a gift - created for those who encounter it.
Art Installations
Art installations take many forms, from small interactive works to large-scale structures that become landmarks within the city. Some invite participation and engagement, some provoke thought, and some simply exist to spark wonder and conversation.
Bringing art to Blazing Swan can be a rewarding challenge. Artists are responsible for designing, building, transporting, installing, maintaining, and removing their work from site. Early planning is essential, particularly for larger projects.
If you're considering bringing an installation to Blazing Swan, we encourage you to start planning early and read the Blazing Swan Art Installation Guidelines and Application Information.
Art Grants
To help support artists in bringing their ideas to Blazing Swan, we offer a limited number of art grants each year.
Grants are intended to assist with the costs of constructing, transporting, and presenting art at the event. Applications are assessed by a panel of community members, who consider factors such as viability, artistic integrity, impact, accessibility, environmental responsibility, and alignment with the event's principles and annual theme.
Multiple application rounds may be offered throughout the year, with dates announced through our website and social media. As funding is limited, not all applications will be successful.
For application details, eligibility requirements, and key dates, refer to the Art Grant information and application forms.
Art That Burns
Blazing Swan is a burn - and as such, fire plays an important role in the Blazing Swan experience.
Effigies, temples, and fire art have created some of the event's most memorable moments, bringing people together in celebration, reflection, and awe.
If you are planning to incorporate fire into an artwork, installation, or performance, additional planning and approvals are required. Western Australia has strict fire safety regulations, and all fire-based art must be registered, assessed, and approved before it can be presented at the event.
Artists intending to use fire should engage with the Art Team and Fire Safety Team early in the planning process to ensure sufficient time for approvals and compliance requirements.
The safety of everyone at the event and the location itself is a shared responsibility. All attendees are expected to respect exclusion zones, safety perimeters, and the directions provided by event volunteers around fire-based artworks and burns.
Considering Bringing Art?
If you’re feeling inspired to bring your creative energy to Blazing Swan we suggest you start planning now. To start preparing you should;
Read the Blazing Swan Art Installation Guidelines and Application Information linked below
Attend an Arts symposium - These are offered in person and online and are an opportunity to learn from other artists experience and ask questions
Consider how you will fund your installation. Although grants are on offer they are limited, not guaranteed, and are not meant to cover all of the costs. If your piece is big, you might want to consider fundraising activities.
Please contact the Art and/or Fire Teams if you have any questions.
Latest Blazing Swan Art News & Information
