| Island Rhythm is an arts and cultural exchange program coordinated by Kulchajam in partnership with the Island Vibe Festival. In its second year in 2010,it brings together arts and cultural practitioners from across Australia and the Pacific with the traditional owners,the Nunukhl,Goenpul and Nuggi (Quandamooka) peoples,and the community of Minjerribah- (North Stradbroke Island) for a diverse program of skillsharing,knowledge exchange,professional development,collaboration and performance opportunities. The program culminates in a diverse series of workshops,performances,speakesr,forums,films and artistic collaborations at the Island Vibe Festival to over 4000 people. Highlights including a collaborative performance at the closing ceremony of the festival incorporating local youth and school students amongst the traditional cultures represented during the program and an all star contemporary musical performance. PARTNERS AND ARTISTS INVOLVED: | The Quandamooka Peoples of Minjerribah maintain rich Indigenous cultures and now share country with white Australian,Rotuman,Maori,Kanak,Filipino,Samoan,Tongan as well as maintaining historical links with other Indigenous communities across Australia including communities on Palm Island,in Willouhra,Grooyte and Tiwi Islands. Like many other Indigenous and culturally diverse communities the island faces challenges of drugs and alcohol,unemployment,available housing,and a lack of opportunities for the youth. The project responds to a call from elders on Minjerribah to support revitalisation and pride in culture as an anecdote to the disadvantage and difficulties facing the youth on the island. Realising that such a call is shared by many across the country,the program reaches out to emerging artists and cultural workers in Indigenous communities to take part in a diverse program of cultural and artistic exchange that can support mutual learnings. Building upon the existing family,clan and cultural links the program draws together modern and traditional musicians,dancers,weavers and other artist and cultural workers for a week of artistic and cultural exchange that provides positive representation of a variety of traditional and contemporary Indigenous Australian and Pacific cultures. |
