Sydney to host huge indigenous festival
Sydney will play host to Australia’s largest ever indigenous arts and culture festival later this year.
Called Corroboree, the new annual festival will take place in Sydney for at least the next three years. It will be held over 11 days from 14-24 November 2013, and will include workshops, tours, exhibitions and performances, plus a career day for young indigenous people, an arts and crafts market and a conference.
“Corroboree is aimed at bringing together indigenous art and culture from around the nation and will become one of Australia’s major cultural events,” said New South Wales’ Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality & Racing, George Souris. “Interest and participation in indigenous culture continues to grow and with NSW having the largest population of indigenous people in Australia, our state is the right place to host this significant event.
“It will also provide the State with a direct economic impact of approximately AU$21 million (US$22m) over the three years, with an expected 55,000 interstate, intrastate and international visitors to attend,” Souris added.
Australia’s Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Victor Dominello, added; “This is an important event that will demonstrate and celebrate the diversity and strength of Indigenous art and culture to the people of Sydney, NSW and beyond.
“Art and culture is a crucial part of the social fabric of Aboriginal people and communities throughout Australia. This event will help provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their important and vibrant cultures with all Australians as well as visitors from overseas.”
Groups working on the festival programme include the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Blackfella Films, Australian Museum, Gadigal Information Service, the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House and The Royal Botanic Gardens. A Council of Aboriginal Elders has also been established.
The name “Corroboree” is derived from the Sydney language word “Carriberie”, to describe a ceremony involving singing, telling stories and dancing.