Shinju Moonrise event to celebrate cultural connections in Chinatown

Published on 16 August 2021

When Shinju's full moon rises over Chinatown on August 23, it will become connected to Chinatown’s entry statement sculpture ''Fusion; interwoven cultures”, creating a unique spectacle that only happens once a year.

The Shire of Broome and Shinju Matsuri are creating an opportunity to capture this moment directly in front of the sculpture on Napier Terrace and have been supported by a Regional Arts WA grant.

Join local astronomer Greg Quicke and other VIPs to celebrate this unique occurrence, with music from Stephen Pigram and a special commemorative community art event that invites you to ‘take a piece of the moon home with you.’

Safehaven artists Alex and Nicole Mickle designed the Fusion artwork with the themes of interwoven connections that characterise Broome; connections between the diverse people who make up our town, our connection to the saltwater country and the connection between our pearling past and vibrant present.

Broome’s famous moonrise over Roebuck Bay is a way of connecting earth and sky and on August 23, as the moon rises to sit at the pinnacle of the artwork, Napier Terrace will become a pedestrian zone with music and art activities.

Four artists have been invited to create moon designs for the event - Jacky Cheng, Tomoko Yamada, Maxine Charlie and the Safehaven artists will showcase the diversity of Broome’s community and connection to the town and its heritage.

The designs are being made into stamps and the community is invited to choose a moon stamp to mark their own commemorative card. This card will be a memento of this inaugural moonrise event.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said it promised to be a special evening.

“Fusion is a stunning artwork that welcomes you into Chinatown – the sight of the moon rising over it will be spectacular,” he said.

“Chinatown has been rejuvenated over recent years, with $29.3 million invested by the Shire and State Government to activate and reinvigorate our town centre.

“Initiatives like the Shinju Moonrise are a fantastic opportunity to invite everyone into Chinatown to celebrate our amazing town, environment and community.”

The Shinju Moonrise event will start at 5.30pm on August 23, with the moonrise set to occur at 6.15pm.