Corroboree Sydney Launches 2014 Festival Program Come. Create. Celebrate.

Sydney's largest Indigenous festival, Corroboree Sydney, has today launched the program 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.

Furthermore, Lend Lease today announced their involvement as Corroboree Sydney festival’s Principal Partner for 2014 and 2015.  In addition, the City of Sydney has confirmed major sponsorship for the next two years, as part of its ongoing commitment to Indigenous Arts and to enhancing the diversity of cultural life in the city.  In addition, Corroboree is supported by its auspicing body, Bangarra Dance Theatre.

M O'loughlin

The Festival 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).

Australia’s leading Indigenous arts company Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Bangarra celebrates 25 years!, a free outdoor gathering on the forecourt of the Opera House on Sunday 30 November. In celebration of Bangarra’s 25th anniversary, this special event for the whole family will be hosted by Deborah Mailman and 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.

J Beck

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 (in front of The Museum of Contemporary Art ).  The Rocks Boatshed is a place to celebrate Aboriginal life in Sydney during the eleven days of Corroboree Sydney.  At The Rocks Boatshed, 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).

Lend Lease Group CEO and Managing Director, Steve McCann said on their participation in Corroboree Sydney:  “We are delighted to partner with Corroboree Sydney as the Principal Partner.  Lend Lease’s involvement emphasises our commitment to promoting Australia’s Indigenous culture and Sydney’s vibrant arts and entertainment culture.”

Perkins added to McCann’s remarks: “We are thrilled to work with Lend Lease as our Principal Partner to provide the perfect reason to create and celebrate Indigenous arts and culture amongst Sydney’s finest cultural organisations.  We warmly invite all Australians to come, create and celebrate Corroboree Sydney 2014.”

Corroboree Sydney is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.