First Nations

DHARUG VOICES, BILLY BAIN AND LEANNE TOBIN 2024. PHOTO: THANADON FILMS

ACE Pillar

First Nations

Our First Nations projects support intergenerational and interdisciplinary art practices, the development of experimental work and new platforms for exchange in Western Sydney. We work with deep collaboration and cultural care, challenging what First Nations arts-based projects can look like and how they connect to place. Our projects engage with the ACE Dharug Knowledge Holders Group building reciprocity in relationships and respect for Indigenous Knowledges and standards to protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).

 

Our program offer opportunities for cultural practitioners to make new work, engage in creative development with peers and up-skill to support professional career development.  We have three project streams:

 

Dharug Voices, is a storytelling series celebrating culture On-Country from the mountains to the sea supporting the development of new works by local custodians and Western Sydney artists collaborating with Dharug people. Still Growing Youth Collective, is designed by young people for Western Sydney’s young people with residencies, workshops and camps for First Nations youth to engage with senior practitioners and cultural mentors.

ACE is a commissioner of Garrigarrang Badu developed by local company Jannawi Dance Clan. Led by Dharug Artistic Director, Peta Strachan, in collaboration with local Elders, Knowledge Holders and creatives, the all-female intergenerational Jannawi Dance Clan will develop a new Dharug song and dance cycle of contemporary and traditional forms.

ELINA ROBERTS-TURNER AT PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY, 2024. PHOTO: NAY

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