Perth International Cabaret Festival announces sudden closure

The closure of Perth International Cabaret Festival means the loss of Western Australia's only dedicated cabaret festival.
Approximately 15 artists take a bow on stage with audience members seated in the seats in front of them and also on the stage behind them. The photo depicts the final curtain at Perth International Cabaret Festival's closing gala in 2024.

The Perth International Cabaret Festival (PICF) has announced it will cease operations immediately. This means the cancellation of its planned 2025 program and marks the end of the state’s only dedicated cabaret festival.

Despite four successful festivals to date, strong audience return rates and measurable economic impact, the Festival’s Board said the decision to wind up PICF was unavoidable due to an inability to secure core operational funding. A similar fate befell Propel Youth Arts WA earlier this week.

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David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.