Corroboree Sydney 2014

Corroboree Sydney launchSydney’s largest Indigenous festival, Corroboree Sydney is back for its second annual event showcasing the very best in contemporary and traditional Indigenous arts and culture.

From 20 to 30 November Sydneysiders and visitors will have the opportunity to see over 100 artists perform around Sydney’s iconic foreshore. Indigenous artists, writers, dancers and musicians from around the country will showcase their talents at predominantly free events.

Corroboree Sydney is a collaboration between some of Sydney’s greatest cultural institutions including 2014 Corroboree newcomers; the Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. These two organisations join Art Gallery of NSW, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Blackfella Films, Koori Radio 93.7FM, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), State Library of NSW, Australian Museum, Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden to create the eleven day series of events.

Amongst the program highlights is the Gurung Parade of more than 3,000 children through Sydney CBD (20 November), a traditional firelight ceremony (21 November), Black Arts Markets (23 November), the return of Homeground – a free-two day outdoor event at the Opera House featuring Dan Sultan, Digging Roots, Richard Frankland and The Charcoal Club and many more (22-23 November).

In celebration of Bangarra’s 25th anniversary, a special gathering for the whole family will be held on Sunday 30 November on the forecourt of the Opera House. Hosted by Deborah Mailman, it will feature a traditional Yolngu performance from North East Arnhem Land, a guest appearance from Christine Anu and will culminate in a spectacular dance experience by the Bangarra dancers presenting the company’s most iconic works. This event also marks the closing night of the Festival.

Corroboree Sydney takes its name from the local Indigenous word ‘carriberie’ – meaning a ceremony of singing, dancing and storytelling and, for the first time, the festival will introduce The Rocks Boatshed – a purpose built venue by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority on the Western Promenade Lawn.

The Rocks Boatshed is a place to celebrate Aboriginal life in Sydney during the eleven days of Corroboree Sydney. Visitors will enjoy a free retrospective of films from the Sundance Film Festival’s Indigenous program as well as music, theatre, live broadcasts by Koori Radio, storytelling, forums and kids’ workshops.

Corroboree Sydney’s Artistic Director Hetti Perkins said the festival has evolved in its second year and boasts a line-up of Indigenous talent not to be missed: “The Festival celebrates the talent of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and we are pleased to showcase the rich cultural heritage at Sydney’s foreshore for another year.”

“The program includes performances, discussions and activities from leading local and well known international Indigenous talent, including Jess Beck, Reko Rennie, Richard Bell, Esme Timbery, Leah Flanagan, Christine Anu, Deborah Mailman, Bird Runningwater from Sundance Film Festival in Utah and AFL star Michael O’Loughlin.”

“Fellow AFL champion and current Australian of the Year, Adam Goodes, will join me at the Art Gallery of NSW for a conversation about being an Indigenous role model and community-focused leader (26 November),” said Perkins.

The festival line-up includes an education program designed specifically for teachers and their students. In addition, the Festival features many free family events including a paper canoe making workshop at the Australian National Maritime Museum (29 – 30 November) and a Sunday Family Fun Day at the MCA (30 November), painting, weaving and craft workshops at The Rocks Boatshed (22 – 23 and 29 – 30 November).

Corroboree Sydney runs 20 – 30 November 2014. For more information and complete program, visit: www.corroboreesydney.com.au for details.

Image: Michael O’Loughlin at the recent Launch of Corroboree Sydney