Summary
Boomerang Festival is a global indigenous
arts & culture event aimed at Aboriginal access for
audiences wishing
to engage
with a
quality, unique, true Indigenous experience.
It encompasses dance, weaving, carving,
talks & ideas, workshops, music & authentic cultural
exchanges between Aboriginal & non-Aboriginal people.
With full support of and in conjunction with Bluesfest Byron Bay's Festival Director, Peter Noble, produced from an Aboriginal perspective
by one of Australia’s most accomplished & respected Artistic
Directors, and proud Bundjalung woman,
Rhoda Roberts (Sydney
Opera House, The Dreaming Festival, 2000
Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Garma Festival), Boomerang Festival is programmed with
high-quality performance art, featuring masters of craft & cultural leaders
from around the globe.
Boomerang ran successfully in 2013 in Byron Bay, on the Bluesfest site, to widespread audience and critical acclaim. It was nominated for several major arts and tourism awards, and contributed significantly to the local tourism and economic sectors.
However, both arts and Indigenous funding was cut, and forced the indefinite suspension of what was heralded as new way forward in harmonious relations for all Australians, and imperative national healing.
What We Need & What You Get
Without adequate funding, Boomerang must
raise funds to grow into the stand alone festival, and a major contributor to
the North NSW cultural landscape, tourism and economy, as well as a landmark
event for Australia.
NSW has the largest population of Aboriginal
Australians than any other state in the country, and less fiscal support than
other regions in the country. Ownership & pro-activeness with art &
culture is key to empowerment and inclusion in our diverse society.
In order for Boomerang to run effectively in 2016 we need $30,000.
The Impact
Australia Council for the Arts recently
reported that:
-
92% of
Australians agree that Indigenous arts are an important part of Australia’s
culture
-
64% of
Australians have a strong or growing interest in Indigenous arts
-
24% of
Australians attended Indigenous arts in the previous year
(Source Australia Council for the Arts, 2015)
Boomerang offers the solution to this
discrepancy between people interested in engaging, and not knowing how to
access Aboriginal culture.
Bluesfest, as one of the most successful and enduring major events in Australia, and Boomerang’s only non-government
partner, invites you to join them as leaders
in positive change in our local, state, and national cultural landscape.
We invite you to lead the change we want and
need to see in our national narrative.
You can be proud to say you took a stand on Australia's relationship with its Indigenous culture, for the betterment for all Australians.
Risks & Challenges
As a progressive and forward-thinking artistic team, Bluesfest & Boomerang festival recognise that we might be ahead of our time. But the importance of the event, and readiness of the community for it is undeniable.
The volatility of the economy and arts industry will affect us, however, with the expertise of astute and revered festival programmers in Peter Noble and Rhoda Roberts, along with their dedicated and experienced teams, we are confident we can hedge against negative impacts.
Our biggest challenge is garnering the support of the people who will benefit from it the most - the Australian public.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help:
- Any support you can offer will be warmly and gratefully received. Some options include:
- You can put the word out through your social media channels
- Volunteer at the festival
- Donate products or services
- Get in touch and discuss your ideas with us - we love to collaborate with all members of the community, far and wide!
Thank you for taking the time to read, and for any assistance you are able to provide.
Rhoda Roberts and Team Boomerang.