Media release from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
D7
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will launch its latest travelling
exhibition, Kickin' up dust, in Canberra on Monday before the
exhibition heads overseas on a three-year tour.
The atrium of the R.G. Casey Building will feature 40 striking photographs
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural festivals held across Australia
between August 2002 and February 2003.
Four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderfestivals were chosen to showcase
the richness and diversity of Australia's Indigenous peoples: the Garma
Festival in north-east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory; the Torres
Strait Cultural Festival, Thursday Island, Queensland; Stompem Ground
in Broome, Western Australia; and the larapuna Festival in Tasmania.
Mandawuy Yunupingu, lead singer of the rock band Yothu Yindi, will also speak
at the launch on behalf of the Garma Festival and Yothu Yindi Foundation -
one of the contributors to the exhibition. Mandawuy was named 1992 Australian
of the Year.
The departmentobserved Indigenous protocols closely in developing the exhibition.
Appropriate permissions were obtained to reproduce images and information
and respect for cultural and intellectual property was central to our working
relationships with Indigenous communities and organisations.
The exhibition's world tour will start in Seoul in August. Kickin'
up dust continues the department's proud record ofpromoting a positive
contemporary image of Australia's Indigenous peoples and cultures overseas.
There is strong interest internationally in Australia's Aboriginal people
but less is known about the Torres Strait Islander peoples. This exhibition
aims to raise the profile of both groups.
The exhibition was initiated by the department's Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Program, located within the Images of the Australia Branch.
Two Canberra-based companies joined forces to form 'Liquid SPA',
to develop and deliver the exhibition. The company provided project management
and curatorial expertise but most importantly, specialist Indigenous services
which were invaluable in assembling this exhibition.
Open to the public until 18 July, Kickin' up dust will be a
highlight of the department's 2003 NAIDOC Week celebrations.
A flag raising event will be held at 12.40pm followed by the launch of Kickin' up dust at 1pm on Monday 7 July 2003 in the Atrium, R.G.
Casey Building, John McEwen Crescent, Barton. The media are invited to attend.
Contacts: Tracey Haines (DFAT) 02-6261 3942; Benita Tunks, Liquid
Design Development Team 02-6262 6669; Sharon Payne (SPA) Indigenous services, spayne@apex.net.au