Garrmalang Festival
THE GARRMALANG FESTIVAL IS AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ARTS AND KNOWLEDGE, AND RETURNS FOR ITS 3rd YEAR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND LOCAL LEGEND, GARY LANG.
Garrmalang is the Larrakia word for Darwin’s esplanade region. Each year, the festival brings vibrant and modern Indigenous culture right into the heart of Darwin, for both locals and visitors to experience. It also provides a world-class stage for local Indigenous performers. New Artistic Director Gary Lang said it’s important festivals like Garrmalang existed.
"It's a privilege to be part of this amazing event and it's so important for Darwin to have – there are other major Indigenous Festivals within the Territory, but not in Darwin. This is an opportunity to represent the Larrakia Nation," Lang said.
This year’s program boasts an impressive list of events, including National Indigenous Music Award Artist of the Year, Dan Sultan, the highly energised Djuki Mala dancers (Chooky Dancers), and the Gary Lang NT Dance Company with their performance Inspired. The festival also includes the album launch for Don’t Stop Believing by singer-songwriter Robbie Mills, the launch of children’s book Go Home Cheeky Animals by artist Dion Beasley and author Johanna Bell, and Indigenous Recognition in the Constitution – a discussion panel on changing Australia's Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Held over three days, the festival features dance, song, storytelling, food and art – with both free and ticketed events. Don't pass up the opportunity to be part of this thriving cultural festival. As the Larrakia say, "Garrmalang lives because we live."