Southern Edge Arts
Circus - Theatre - Community
Championing the creativity of young people in the Great Southern for 40 years
Photography by Nic Duncan for Southern Edge Arts
THE INVITATION
Albany-Kinjarling will glow with light and unity on the night of 7 November 2026, as thousands of handmade lanterns illuminate the coastline all the way from Emu Point to Binalup/Middleton Beach. Lamp-bearers will gather along the sand, transforming the foreshore into a breathtaking string of lights: a living, ephemeral artwork captured in footage to be shared worldwide. Carrying the Fire is a participatory event and a large-scale community light event. It asks a simple question: what do you carry into our shared future? It is an invitation for Albany residents and visitors of all ages to come together in a shared creative journey, building a sense of belonging and unity across the Great Southern and beyond. As much a celebration of human cooperation as it is a homage to landscape, this is an event that will leave an unforgettable mark on this place and this moment.
FORM Building a State of Creativity, the creative visionaries behind the breathtaking Field of Light: Avenue of Honour on Mount Clarence, are set to inspire our imaginations once again. This time, they are partnering with Southern Edge Arts to bring another large-scale participatory artwork to Albany.
This ephemeral masterpiece, Carrying the Fire, will be crafted by communities across the Great Southern and beyond, uniting us all in a shared creative journey.
Initiated, produced and presented by FORM, Carrying the Fire is brought to life in collaboration with Creative Producer Southern Edge Arts and Artistic Director Annette Carmichael.
HOST A LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP
Be part of the experience: Create your own lantern.
Everyone is invited to join the walk and light up the coastline. To make this possible, Southern Edge Arts is offering free lantern-making workshops for community groups, schools, businesses, sporting clubs, and service organisations.
Engage your members, staff, or customers in a unique creative experience. Our team of artists will guide your group in crafting beautiful lanterns to carry during the event, sparking conversations about our collective hopes for the future.
Schools, community groups, and individuals can download the Creative Learning Pack or register to participate in a workshop with a Teaching Artist. Workshops are adaptable to all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome to engage with this project.
CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Deeply rooted in place, this community-led project has been developed in consultation with the Albany 2026 Cultural Advice Sub-Committee, co-ordinated by Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation, with Menang cultural consultant and artist Penny Williams central to the creative team from the outset.
Lantern designs by local artists draw on the symbols of Menang Country: the resilient biyarra/banksia, the sheltering kwornt, the regenerative sea star, and the spiritual moodjar/WA Christmas Tree.
Workshops are adapted for all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone has the chance to contribute to this spectacular river of light.
Local artists, arts teachers and community leaders are also invited to register for a Professional Development workshop that will equip you to lead your own lantern making workshops and participate in the final event.
CONTACT & REGISTRATION
Register your interest in hosting a free lantern-making workshop for your group. Let’s come together to create something beautiful and carry the fire for Albany’s future.
For lantern-making workshop enquiries: contact Southern Edge Arts CTF Team,
ctf@southernedge.org.au , 0493 717 689.
For event enquiries: contact FORM,
culturaltourism@form.net.au, 08 9385 2200
Find out more about Albany 2026
Lantern Making Workshops: February – November 2026, Various locations in Albany and Denmark, register your interest now.
Carrying the Fire: Saturday 7 November 2026, Albany, locations around Binalup Middleton Beach
Carrying the Fire is initiated, produced and presented by FORM in collaboration with Creative Producer Southern Edge Arts and Artistic Director Annette Carmichael. Supported by Lotterywest and presented as part of the City of Albany's Albany 2026 program. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
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