WIPC:E Cultural Events

Cultural pride, performance and exchange is one of the most exciting aspects of WIPC:E. With an expected attendance of over 3000 delegates from across the world, the breadth of Indigenous performance and the talent on display is guaranteed to be inspirational.

The Traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony

The Traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony will be a full day of cultural celebration, taking place at the Aborigines Advancement League (AAL). The AAL is often referred to as the “mother” of all Australian Aboriginal organisations, and currently sits on the largest piece of Aboriginal owned land in Melbourne.

 

MC Kylie Belling will lead us through the Ceremony, starting with a Traditional Welcome to Country by representatives of the Kulin Nation, the custodians of the Melbourne region. Local dance troop, One Fire, will perform their repertoire of celebration dances before handing over to members of the WIPC:E 2008 team to officially welcome delegates on behalf of the Indigenous people of Australia.

 

Indigenous groups or individual delegates from across the world will have the opportunity to respond, either through speech, dance, song or other forms of cultural expression.

 

Some of Indigenous Australia’s performing stars will then take to the stage in a showcase of local talent. Performing artists include Joe Geia, Lou Bennet and the Sweet Cheeks and Tjimba and the Yung Warriors.

 

This will be a drug and alcohol free family event and will be open to the public.

 

Date: Sunday 7 December 2008
Time: 10am – 7.30pm
Venue: The Aborigines Advancement League, 2 Watts Street Thornbury.
Cost: FREE

The Closing Ceremony

After 4 jam packed days, its time to let your hair down and celebrate to the sounds of local and international Indigenous performers. The Closing Ceremony at Rod Laver Arena will be a huge night hosted by Aboriginal comedian Sean Choolbura.

 

WIPC:E delegates, dressed in traditional costume, will form a procession of colour and excitement for the Parade of Nations. One Fire Dance troop will perform a special ceremony created for WIPC:E 2008 where they hand over the honour of hosting WIPC:E to the next host nation.

 

Rising hip-hop starts Tjimba and the Yung Warriors will join legendary singers Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. Uncle Herb Patten will belt out some tunes on his gum leaf.

 

Between performances by local stars, our talented delegates will take to the stage sharing songs, dances and ceremony.

 

This will be a drug and alcohol free family event and will be open to the public.

 

Date: Thursday 11 December 2008
Time: 7.30pm – 11pm
Venue: Rod Laver Arena
Cost: WIPCE 2008 Delegates included in registration
Other: Between $15 - $30 (to be confirmed)

What’s happening Around Melbourne?

There are many opportunities to network with the local Aboriginal community outside of Conference hours.

Cabarets at the Aborigines Advancement League

Join the local community for music and dancing. Monday 8th of December will be a night of boot scooting Country Western. Wednesday 10th of December will feature fresh RnB and hip hop. Pick up locally made Indigenous products and souvenirs from the twilight markets outside.

 

Date: Monday 8th and Wednesday 10th December 2008
Time: 8pm – midnight
Venue: The Aborigines Advancement League, 2 Watts Street Thornbury.
Cost: $5 per person
Age Restrictions: 18 years and over only

Indigenous Cultural Maintenance Symposium

The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne, is hosting a symposium relating to the Indigenous Arts and Craft sector.
As the recent Senate inquiry into the Indigenous Arts and Craft Sector indicated, art provides funds for health and community empowerment programs that are not currently funded by any other means. Indigenous culture is also used by all Australians to build economic and professional bases for activities including the ever-increasing trade in the art market. However, funding, education, legislation and support to develop indigenous cultural maintenance and cultural development programs is currently inadequate. Indigenous leaders, in collaboration with the Australian Commercial Galleries Association, leading intellectuals, academics and policy makers and students in the University of Melbourne's Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, will lead a symposium to propose effective actions, and seek government support, to reform this unsatisfactory state of affairs.

 

Date: Friday December 12 2008
Time: 9 am - 12:30 pm keynote speaker and lecture period. 1:30-5:00 panel discussion
Venue: Gryphon Gallery
Graduate Centre (1888 Building)
University of Melbourne
Grattan Street, Parkville
Cost: FREE

For further enquiries and bookings please contact Jane Manallack at icmsbookings@optusnet.com.au

 

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