Jess Oakley Co-founder & Artist Director, Strange
Jess is the co-founder and Artist Director of Strange, an annual arts festival in Perth. Taking place over 10 days, the festival transforms vacant spaces in the CBD and showcases artists of all disciplines. With a focus on unconventional content, Strange gives emerging artists a platform to display their work to a large audience. In its second year, Strange 2023 featured over 40 visual artists, 40+ musicians, performing artists, and a pop-up cinema. The festival attracted an estimated 78,000 patrons, proving there is a demand for the weird and unusual in Perth's event calendar.
She believes that art has the power to challenge norms and spark conversations, which is why Strange aims to provide a platform for unconventional and boundary-pushing art. By showcasing a diverse range of artists and works, from visual arts to music and performing arts, the festival actively promotes inclusivity and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. Through their dedication, Strange is not only enriching the cultural landscape of Perth but also fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.