Australia’s delegation to welcome the new day at 2008 Festival of Pacific Arts.
The Australia Council for the Arts has announced a delegation of 41 of Australia’s best Indigenous artists will attend the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts.
Occurring once every four years the Festival is an opportunity for Australia to showcase it’s best Indigenous artists and connect further with its Pacific neighbours.
Artistic director Wesley Enoch said the delegation is spearheaded by a strong Torres Strait Islander contingent and embodies Australia’s response to the festival theme; Welcoming the new day.
‘From traditional Torres Strait Islander dance group Ariu Panipan to internationally acclaimed didgeridoo player Mark Atkins, to photographer Mervyn Bishop, to Australian idol participant Dwayne Everettsmith the delegation represents a diversity of artforms and cultural practices from across Australia.
‘These artists are well known in their communities and across the world for their ground breaking work. They have toured, exhibited, performed and represented Australia across the globe. All the artists chosen reflect the modernity of Indigenous life in Australia.
‘Of note is the large Torres Strait Islander representation. The cultural practices of the Torres Strait have much in common with other Pacific nations.’
The Pacific community created the Festival of Pacific Arts in 1972 to stop the erosion of traditional customary practices.
This year the festival will be held in American Samoa, July 20-August 2.
Australia’s delegation will join participants from 27 Pacific Island nations in a two week program of events including performances, presentations and forums where cultural solutions to common problems will be sought.
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