Weave | The Australian Museum’s inaugural Festival of Aboriginal and Pacific Cultures

The month of March will see the Australian Museum (AM) celebrate its inaugural festival ‘Weave’, which focuses on the dance, art, narrative and song that entwine Aboriginal and Pacific cultures.

The event’s diverse program – from exhibitions, film-screenings and performances to talks, workshops, drop-in activities – coincides with the AM’s ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy 2017-20’, which aims to ensure that the Indigenous voice is heard within the museum. AM Trustee Robynne Quiggin says, ‘The strategy will broaden the AM’s shared understanding of the relationship between Western and Indigenous knowledges, and connect people with culture and nature in a way that is inspiring and informative.’

Carriberrie, VR film; ‘Inma’ at Uluru, performed by Anangu men and women of the Mutitjulu community. Photograph: Tobias Wolf

By imparting of knowledge through storytelling and creative practices, the festival is designed to create an engaging and informative way for visitors to experience some of the world’s oldest surviving cultures. AM Director and CEO Kim McKay explains that, ‘The AM’s inaugural Festival of Aboriginal and Pacific cultures will weave together historical and modern knowledge, art and experiences, to build a better shared future for all Australians.’

Festival highlights include, the creation of a large-scale sculptural installation (mahn) in recognition of Aboriginal fisherwomen. Observe the art of boat making as expert weavers and Elders build a four-metre long woven canoe (nawi), or participate in workshops to learn their traditional techniques. These activities form part of ‘Gabi’, an exhibition focusing on the culture of Aboriginal Sydney – drawing on the AM’s collections with some items exhibited for the first time.

Witness the international premiere screening of ‘Carriberrie’, a virtual reality film, which takes viewers on a 360° adventure into Indigenous performances – both ceremonial and contemporary – from Uluru to Moa and Sydney Harbour, weaving together old and new and capturing the purpose and spirit of the festival.

Australian Museum
1 to 31 March, 2018
Sydney

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