2016 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Mexico. The modern bilateral relationship can be characterised as a close and dynamic partnership. Both countries work closely together bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally and are closely aligned in their commitment to free trade, as demonstrated by our participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. We attach a high priority to a rules-based global order and cooperate in bodies such as G20, APEC and the OECD. People-to-people links are growing strongly, notably in the tourism and education sectors.
Both countries are celebrating this important anniversary through an exciting and diverse range of cultural events designed to highlight the longstanding relationship. In particular, a series of music and theatre performances, film screenings and photography and document exhibitions have been developed commemorating the anniversary.
The centerpiece of the 50th anniversary schedule of events is an indigenous arts residency program. This initiative involves indigenous artists from Australia and Mexico undertaking a reciprocal arts residency program designed to increase bilateral understanding of indigenous artistic traditions and culture.
DFAT is working with RMIT University – a leading arts school in Australia – to manage the six week program in Australia, which will include a study tour to indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, guest lectures and a visual arts exhibition.
DFAT and the Mexican Embassy are also collaborating to create an exhibition of historical images capturing the vibrancy of the longstanding bilateral relationship. With assistance from the National Archives of Australia, a treasure trove of photographs, documents and stories created since 1966 have been retrieved for public display.
The Australian Embassy in Mexico has in parallel developed an in-depth program of celebrations. The National Museum of Australia's Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route exhibition, a series of visual artworks depicting the experience of Aboriginal Australians living in communities alongside the world's longest cattle migration route, will be on display along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma, the most important and beautiful boulevard in Mexico City. Australian performing arts troupes are scheduled to excite Mexican audiences throughout the year including award winning indigenous dance troupe Descendance and acrobatic physical theatre group Gravity and Other Myths. Ben Walsh - master percussionist, composer and worldwide collaborator will stun Mexican audiences with his innovative performances. A film screening of The Sapphires for alumni in Mexico will form part of the cultural celebrations. The Australian Embassy will also showcase Australia at Mexico City's international event, the Feria de las Culturas Amigas (Fair of Cultures and Friendship).
The above 50th anniversary logo design incorporates two world renowned icons: the Sydney Opera House and Mexico City's Angel of Independence, a victory column on Paseo de la Reforma which was built to commemorate the centenary of Mexico's independence in 1910.