Parrwang Community Arts
Connecting with culture & creativity
Parrwang Community Arts
‘Parrwang’ meaning magpie in the Wadawurrung language - originally named Parrwang Youth Arts.
The renamed Parrwang Community Arts invites Geelong's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of all ages to engage in fun, interactive and meaningful multi-arts experiences that nurture creativity and encourage connection to culture, Country and community.
Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions for the Parrwang Community Arts program:
Parrwang Community Arts
parrwang@geelongartscentre.org.au
![Parrwang Logo - Nathan Patterson.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Parrwang_Logo_-_Nathan_Patterson.width-549.jpg)
![Screenshot 2024-02-01 084914](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Screenshot_2024-02-01_084914.width-500.png)
![Screenshot 2024-02-01 084914](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Screenshot_2024-02-01_084914.width-500.png)
NAIDOC
KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!
BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD
7 - 14 JULY
This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
Visit the NAIDOC website for more information on NAIDOC week.
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SHORT BLACK OPERA FOR KIDS
Facilitated by Yorta Yorta Soprano, Composer & Educator Deborah Cheetham AO
DATES TBA
Short Black Opera returns for its 8th year!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students come together in this week long opportunity to learn culture, music and storytelling from Yorta Yorta Soprano, Composer and Educator Deborah Cheetham AO. Across the week, students will come together to participate in a range of workshops, culminating in a free community concert.
The program is facilitated by Yorta Yorta Soprano, Composer & Educator Deborah Cheetham AO.
Registrations are open for 2024
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EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTS
Little Malop Street Redevelopment First Nations Featured Artists
One of the most exciting design elements of Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment is the presentation of specially commissioned artworks within the building's spaces by four extraordinary First Nations artists.
In a collection of captivating videos, Wadawurrung artist Kait James and First Nations artists Gerard Black, Tarryn Love and Mick Ryan take us into their creative workspaces to reveal the stories behind their unique artworks which are part of the fabric of the new Geelong Arts Centre.
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REFLECT|OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
For over 65,000 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 continues this tradition by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Peoples and First Nations globally.
GALLERY
![GAC-RAP-1-361.width-1134.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/GAC-RAP-1-361.width-1134.width-1134.jpg)
Jessie Lloyd at Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Event 2020 (Ferne Millen Photography)
![083.width-1134.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/083.width-1134.width-1134.jpg)
Wadawurrung Traditional Custodian Corrina Eccles conducting a Welcome to Country Ceremony alongside Norm Jurrawaa Stanley. (Ferne Millen Photography)
![GAC-ShortBlackOpera-1-207.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/GAC-ShortBlackOpera-1-207.width-1134.jpg)
Yorta Yorta Soprano, Composer and Educator Deborah Cheetham AO leading ‘Short Black Opera for Kids’ participants in their 2022 performance. (Ferne Millen Photography)
![SHU_BROWN.width-1134.png](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/SHU_BROWN.width-1134.width-1134.png)
Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Event 2020. Artist Shu Brown.
![GAC-RAP-1-387.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/GAC-RAP-1-387.width-1134.jpg)
Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Event 2020 (Ferne Millen Photography)
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Parrwang Youth Arts participants performing their ‘Show & Share’ Celebration. (Cormac Hanrahan Photography)
![GAC-RAP-1-288.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/GAC-RAP-1-288.width-1134.jpg)
Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Event 2020 (Ferne Millen Photography)
![GAC-ShortBlackOpera-2-421.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/GAC-ShortBlackOpera-2-421.width-1134.jpg)
Yorta Yorta Soprano, Composer and Educator Deborah Cheetham AO leading ‘Short Black Opera for Kids’ participants in their 2022 performance. (Ferne Millen Photography)
![Extra Mick Ryan.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Extra_Mick_Ryan.width-1134.jpg)
Mick Ryan performing at the Opening of Bangarra’s Bennelong. (Ferne Millen Photography)
![GAC-ShortBlackOpera-1-547.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/GAC-ShortBlackOpera-1-547.width-1134.jpg)
Wadawurrung Traditional Custodian Corrina Eccles and Yorta Yorta Soprano, Composer and Educator Deborah Cheetham AO at ‘Short Black Opera for Kids’ 2022 performance. (Ferne Millen Photography)
![Crop Extra Bennelong Opening.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Crop_Extra_Bennelong_Opening.width-1134.jpg)
Bennelong Opening: (‘Opportunities Table’) Sisters L-R Renee Howell, Aimmie Howell and Meagan Howell enjoying the opening of Bangarra’s Bennelong. (Ferne Millen Photography)
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Parrwang Youth Arts participants performing their ‘Show & Share’ Celebration. (Cormac Hanrahan Photography)
![artists web gallery .jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/artists_web_gallery_.width-1134.jpg)
EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTS Little Malop Street Redevelopment First Nations Featured Artists. Welcome to Country. 2022 (Ferne Millen Photography)
![#9.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/9.width-1134.jpg)
Wadawurrung Custodian Aunty Naomi Surtees with Edwina McHenry at 2019’s ‘Reconciliation in the Park’ Event (Ferne Millen Photography)
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Geelong Arts Centre stands, the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, to Elders present and to emerging leaders, recognising their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community.
Parrwang Community Arts is proudly supported by
Government Partner
![Creative Victoria Logo.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Creative_Victoria_Logo.max-342x220.jpg)
Major Artistic Partner
![Deakin Logo Black.jpg](https://cdn.geelongartscentre.org.au/media/images/Deakin_Logo_Black.max-342x220.jpg)
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Registering to the E-Newsletter is easy - simply click the button below, enter your details, and select 'First Peoples Programming' when nominating your interests.