Cover Image: The Night of the Muses co-founders and long-time friends, Mia Gonzalez and Marita Holdaway, whose shared vision has built a vibrant Goldfields arts tradition. Photo by Mellen Burns Photography.

A little over three years ago, long-time friends and artists, Mireia (Mia) Gonzalaz and Marita Holdaway were seated in the Museum of the Goldfields’ picturesque and historical courtyard, contemplating a need to support local Goldfields’ creatives; connecting them with audiences and improving recognition for the talent that existed in their own backyard. 

The Night of the Muses concept was born, and the museum became the outdoor venue for the inaugural event and the Muses’ first supporting partner.

Held four to six evenings a year, the Muse nights have come to represent an extravaganza of mixed artistic disciplines – sometimes in unconventional ways – including music, singing, dance, poetry, visual art exhibitions, live art installations and demonstrations, standup comedy, art battles, improv, and theatre, and almost always presented to a sold-out audience. 

“We were inspired to create something different in different places, combing different experiences for a unique evening of arts and connections. It’s a very open concept. We like to keep it open. There’s no limit to what it could look like… we actually want to mix as many things together as possible.” Mia shared.

Other venues have included the historic Hannans Club, and the old train station in Coolgardie, now home of the Barefoot Bands Studio.

Each night is curated by starting with what the pair have, whether it’s a venue, artist, or theme, and everything else built around that. The duo also strive for diverse cultural art experiences, but don’t see Muse evenings as specifically inter-cultural events, but more a general celebration of different art practices. 

Mia and Marita’s work is entirely voluntary, and they are supported by a team of Muse friends who help with event logistics. Ticket sales cover artist and tech fees, along with operational costs, while local sponsorships and in-kind support make much of the work possible. 

The August 2^nd Muse night was held at the Goldfields Rep Club, WA’s oldest continually running community theatre, with proceeds from ticket sales donated to the club to assist with its rebuilding fund. The theme was Cabaret, and the eclectic line up seemed to encourage an equally eclectic audience demographic with many patrons in attendance to support a family member or friend.

The night began with a LED poi display from Katelyn Ann of the Heart of Gold Dance Company outside the premises on arrival and serenaded in the foyer by Kristian James playing saxophone setting the tone and ambience. Kristian appeared again on the main stage with a clarinet solo and Katelyn wowed with Cabaret-themed chair choreography, aerials from a lollypop lyra, and fire-eating demonstration.

Other performances included contemporary dancer, Mia Corfield, Johnathon Hill on electric guitar, singer and songwriter, Pink Leaves singing an original and covers, and singing and musical duo SKatt (Steve and Katrina) with an act reminiscent of old-time vaudeville. The audience loved it.

As the planned entertainment ended, an invitation to audience members for impromptu performances seemed a natural progression to the atmosphere of the evening and were accompanied by enthusiastic singing from those who remained seated. 

It was a culturally rich and amicable evening, greatly enjoyed by all who attended and precisely what the organisers had envisaged.

“It’s exactly what you see… It’s raw, it’s real, it’s bringing cultures together, it’s bringing people together, it’s bringing love together. And we just want to enjoy life.” Marita added. 

The date for the next The Night of the Muses is yet to be announced, but you can follow event updates on their Facebook page.