MEDIA RELEASE • 5 MAY 2023
Geelong Arts Centre will present Cultural Conversations: Reconciliation Week 2023 – Be a Voice for Generations on 3 June at 2.30pm in our Ryrie Street building’s Limelight Studio 4.
Facilitated by proud Gunditjmara actor and playwright, Tom Molyneux, join a panel of local First Nations artists, respected community members, and allies for this free event as they come together to examine the tangible ways in which we can all use our power and words to be a voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives.
Hear from proud Worimi artist, Gerard Black, proud Adnyamathanha woman entrepreneur and Arranyinha business owner, Marsha Uppill, Member for Geelong and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, Christine Couzens MP, as well as dual-premiership former Geelong Cats football star, Mathew Stokes and spend the afternoon immersed in a yarning circle, exploring how to “Be a Voice for Generations: Act today for a reconciled tomorrow”.
Aligning with National Reconciliation Week 2023 (27 May – 3 June), this 90-minute free event is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people of all gender identities to gather, join the conversation, ask questions and walk together.
Now in its third year, Geelong Arts Centre’s Cultural Conversations series aims to bring First Nations voices and stories to the forefront, and to provide a culturally safe space in which to engage in shared learning and important discussions.
For tens of thousands of years, the land on which Geelong Arts Centre stands has been a significant site for gathering, belonging and storytelling for the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation.
Geelong Arts Centre is committed to a long-lasting reconciliation journey that acknowledges, respects, includes and responds to First Nations community, and connects First Peoples’ stories and voices with the broader community through meaningful artwork, performance and conversation.
To learn more about Geelong Arts Centre's commitment to a long-lasting reconciliation journey that acknowledges, respects, includes and responds to First Nations community, visit geelongartscentre.org.au/about-us/first-peoples/
Registration is free, but essential. Capacity is strictly limited to 100 people.
To register, and to learn more about each speaker on the panel, visit geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/cultural-conversations-be-a-voice-for-generations/
Cultural Conversations is presented in partnership with Deakin University’s Office of Indigenous Strategy and Innovation.
Geelong Arts Centre is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University. This program is also supported by the Besen Family Foundation and City of Greater Geelong.
- ENDS –
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“Geelong Arts Centre is committed to a long-lasting reconciliation journey that acknowledges, respects, includes and responds to First Nations community.
Connecting First Peoples’ stories and voices with the broader community through meaningful conversations and sharing culture is vital for Geelong Arts Centre.”
Quotes attributable to Joel McGuinness
Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director
“The 2023 Reconciliation Week theme “Be a Voice for Generations” encourages us all to take ownership over our own, everyday actions and learning. This is a great opportunity to join the conversation and walk together towards reconciliation. ”
Quotes attributable to Emily Donoghue
Geelong Arts Centre Senior Producer - Creative Learning, Families and Community Engagement
"Cultural Conversations is a powerful initiative that invites members of our local community to come together and learn from First Peoples' in an open, supportive and safe space.
This is a great opportunity for our region to gather as one and ally with First Nations community in a setting that nurtures Reconciliation Week through raw storytelling and varied artforms at Geelong Arts Centre."
Quotes attributable to Christine Couzens MP
State Member for Geelong