Welcome Message
The Hon Clare Martin MLA
Chief Minister and Minister for Arts & Museums
It’s that stunning season when the humidity is at an annual
low and the activity in the Top End is at an all-time high. So,
why not celebrate?
August delivers a tidal wave of culture to the Territory, in the
form of the Darwin Festival. The cool nights and sunny days invite
Territorians and visitors alike to attend, take part in, and simply
be overwhelmed by a host of events.
So, welcome to the celebration of theatre, dance, free events,
film, comedy, cabaret, music, and visual arts.
Enjoy!
His Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor
Peter Adamson
As Lord Mayor of Darwin I am privileged to be invited to take part
in many community events, functions, fund-raisers and get-togethers.
The reason I enjoy these activities so much is that it reinforces
to me the importance of the sense of belonging that we have in Darwin,
and the tropical benefits we enjoy.
The Darwin Festival, celebrating our arts and culture, is one
such opportunity to celebrate that community spirit, our unique
multicultural heritage and our close Asian connections.
I will be out and about during the festival, not only enjoying
it for myself but telling every visitor to stay a little longer
and find out what the true spirit of Darwin is all about.
Peter McQueen
Chairman Darwin Festival
The Board of the Darwin Festival encourages all members of the
Darwin community and visitors to the Top End, to attend as many
of the events appearing in this program as possible.
We are justifiably proud of the artistic talent which resides
in our harmonious community and hope that showcasing that talent
during the festival may lead to bigger and better things for the
participants.
To our sponsors, thank you. We are grateful for the support of
all our corporate sponsors and look forward to making your involvement
a rewarding one.
Finally I wish to acknowledge the additional financial support
provided this year by the Northern Territory Government and the
Darwin City Council.
Malcolm Blaylock, Artistic Director
The festival this year focuses on the unique traditions and cultures
of this region. The Indigenous program is extensive and presents
an amazing array of work. Local artists and local companies feature
prominently and they are joined by some remarkable artists from
Australia and the Asian region.
The festival assists the development of new cultural product and
this year we are pleased to present Tin Hotel, Snakes Gods and Deities,
Urban Village Cultured Beats, Tunas Mekar Balinese Collective and
Surviving Jonah Salt.
We have also succumbed to the joys of outdoor living and the seduction
of
balmy tropical nights and have created the Star Shell, an outdoor
performance venue in the Botanic Gardens. Here, Indigenous traditional
dance, music, cultural performance, exotic drumming and spiritual
awakening will soothe and nourish your soul. And from here the festival
will spread throughout the city.
The festival has something for everyone. It presents Darwin to
the world and
brings the world to Darwin. We hope you enjoy the experience.
|
