The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will hold a six-week Australia Festival late this year featuring contemporary artists from the continent, many of whom have not performed in the United States.

The artists will include dance troupes, visual artists, circus groups, singers, an opera and children's theater.

The festival is to run from Oct. 10 through Nov. 17, with a preview June 14-17 during the Three Rivers Arts Festival.

The trust organized the event with the help of the Australia Council, the Australian government's arts funding agency.

It follows a similar Quebec festival the trust organized in 2004.

Events will include Circus Oz; Puccini's Madama Butterfly (conducted by Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker, a native of Australia); a group show at the Wood Street Galleries; a film festival at the Harris Theater; Legs on the Wall; the Candy Butchers; Chunky Move; Back To Back Theatre; and educational events at local universities.