Australia is bursting with scenic regions filled with some fine examples of the art and culture of its indigenous people. Here’s the list of the main events in case you are up for a truly cultural road trip.
Barunga Festival (June 10th-12th)
Barunga Festival is a quintessential community gathering held in Katherine region over the Queen’s birthday weekend. During the festival, visitors are invited to camp in the area and actively participate and experience the culture and traditions of its Aboriginal community. Cultural activities range from didgeridoo workshops and performances to bush tucker tastings. Aside from these, there are also performances by popular contemporary artist, as well as team sport events (football, basketball, softball).
There is an entry fee valid for three for days (wristbands must kept during the festival) and includes camping fees. For visitors who prefer hostel/motel options, accommodation is available in the nearby Katherine area.
Alice Spring Beanie Festival (June 24th-27th)
Alice Spring Beanie Festival, a community-oriented gathering which celebrates Australia’s best known artifact, is certainly one of the most unique events in Australia. Established in 1997 by a group of volunteers to support and promote the sales of beanies crafted by local Aboriginal women, it has since grown into an event that connects artist and promotes cultural and art exchange.
The festival is a weekend filled with music concerts, a Beanie Olympics, and various textile workshops. Visitors can expect to see both sensible and hilarious knitwear, in addition to experiencing a true sense of community. The entry is free of charge for all events.
Garma Festival (August 29th July-1st)
Garma Festival was originally developed as an Aboriginal equivalent of the World Economic Forum. Presented by Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF), Garma brings together business and political leaders, intellectuals and academics to discuss preservation of the traditional Aboriginal culture and knowledge, cultural exchange between indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and develop economic opportunities for the former.
Besides the forum which gathers youth of different backgrounds who connect in the attempt to improve the status of the indigenous people, nurture their leadership capabilities and promote young emerging artists, the festival incorporates a variety of music, film, dance and visual art events.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (July 15th-17th)
CIAF is aimed at establishing a platform to promote, expand and support the art industry of the indigenous people of this region. Through celebration of art and culture, the fair promotes artistic development and cultural exchange between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist and visitors.
The program includes a variety of events centered on film, music, fashion and other artistic forms. In addition to this, the event features extensive art market, which attracts both national and international curators and collectors, emerging artist and displays new works in different formats. The tickets are sold separately for different events and some of them include food and drinks.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (August 5th-7th)
DAAF is an annual fair organized by the Darwin Aboriginal Fair Foundation, a not-for-profit organization of closely connected indigenous-owned Art Centers. Created as an opportunity to connect artist, art patrons and arts industry buyers during a weekend in Darwin, this is a place where visitors can meet established and emerging artists and purchase artifacts directly from the indigenous people. Exhibited artifacts include various art forms, from paintings and sculptures to music instruments and jewelry.
These were just a few national festivals that are taking place throughout Down Under, offering visitors a chance to experience indigenous communities, their culture, art and traditions, and learn more about them. If you decide to visit any of these, don’t forget to get a free car and use this opportunity to enjoy Australia’s stunning countryside.
Article by Lillian Connors, photos creative commons.
