#AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

National NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations are currently underway (8-15th November), and there are many ways to celebrate the past, present and future of Australias Indigenous culture during NAIDOC week, so we have compiled a list of events to help you celebrate here in the capital.

NAIDOC Week Illuminations

Indigenous artworks are currently illuminating the National Carillon in celebration of NAIDOC week, with work by 30 different artists being projected onto the 50-metre monument. This is not one to be missed; it’s a great opportunity for a sunset walk or picnic by the lake.

While you are there, why not checkout Kayannie Denigan’s public mural titled ‘My Country’ on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin in front of Reconcillian Place, Parkes, as part of the Design Canberra Festival.

NAIDOC in the North

NAIDOC in the North, presented by Belco Arts, is a free celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through story, song, art, dance and ceremony. Canberrans are welcome to learn from Canberras local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through workshops, performances, activities and entertainment straight to your living room. This year the performances will be streamed and released during the week.

For more information, click the link.

Ngunawal Story Time at the Canberra Museum and Gallery 

To celebrate Australia’s rich indigenous culture, the Canberra Museum and Gallery have partnered with Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural Services to create the Ngunawal Story Time project, the Ngunawal stories are being told by late Ngunawal Elder Don Bell’s grandson Jai and brought to life through stop motion animation. These animations are also available online here.

The event is being held at the Canberra Museum and Gallery daily from Saturday, November 7th to November 15th, from 10:15 am to 12:15 am. There is no cost of entry.

From An Untouched Landscape by James Tylor 

James Tylor’s exhibition, From An Untouched Landscape, is another highlight of the DESIGN Canberra Festival 2020 and explores the lack of visible aboriginal culture in the Australian natural landscape. The free exhibition is running from the 9th-29th November at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space in Manuka. 

This Saturday, November 15th James will be speaking about his work at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space in Manuka for $35 a ticket, more information online here.