Spectrum Now Has Unveiled Its Complete 2016 Program

One on one interviews, a pop-up tattoo parlour, and a live music lineup curated by the team from Splendour in the Grass are among the highlights of this year's Spectrum Now Festival. The 16 day creative arts extravaganza, launched last year by the Sydney Morning Herald, today revealed its complete 2016 program, featuring more than 100 free and ticketed events around the city.

The Spectrum Now festival, which will run from March 1 to 16, is split into four sections: art, stage, talks and music. Included in the arts section will be an ambitious live painting at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where Western Sydney artist Tom Polo will spend two weeks creating a gigantic wall painting in view of the public.

The stage category will likewise features several standout shows, including performances by the Sydney Dance Company and Bard on the Beach, a burlesque act at Crystal Bar, a performance of La Boheme transplanted to the 1930s, and a night of stand-up comedy with the stars of Workaholics.

Two of the most successful events on last year's talks program will return in 2016. Pillow Talk features personal conversations with some of the country's leading creative couples, and will this year include the likes of David and Kristen Williamson, David and Lisa Campbell, and Max Cullen and Margarita Georgiadis. Cultural Crush, meanwhile, invites prominent journalists to interview their 'dream subject'. Those in the spotlight this year include investigative journalist Kate McClymont speaking with film director Bruce Beresford, and columnist Benjamin Law grilling Leigh Sales from the ABC.

The previously announced music program features a number of prominent players, headlined by post-punk act The Jesus and Mary Chain. Other standouts include Birds of Tokyo, Calexico and a live edition of RocKwiz.

This year's festival hub will be located at The Domain, and will feature fire breathers, burlesque dancers and free live music, as well as a sideshow alley where you can get inked by tattoo artist Leslie Rice or get a haircut from retro barber Tony Vacher. Hanging over the hub will be a giant balloon chain by US artist Robert Bose, who previously created similar works at Burning Man and Coachella.

Spectrum Now begins on March 1. For the full program or to book tickets, visit the festival website.