GARRMALANG RETROSPECTIVE
Garrmalang Festival marks its 10-year anniversary with Garrmalang Retrospective – a day to celebrate Blak excellence, community, culture, and art.
WORDS LISA PELLEGRINO
IMAGE BENJAMIN WARLNGUNDU BAYLISS
HELD ANNUALLY ON Larrakia Country in Garramilla (Darwin), the Garrmalang Festival proudly celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, art, and culture. This year, the Festival marks 10 years with Garrmalang Retrospective, a special one-day program at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.
Founder and Creative Director Ben Graetz reflects on the journey so far.
“What began as a vision to create a space for our people has evolved into a powerful gathering of community and culture. Garrmalang is more than a festival – it’s a homecoming, a place for connection and celebration,” he says.
The nationally renowned Festival has community and Country at its heart.
“What makes Garrmalang truly special is its deep connection to Country and community. It’s not just a celebration of arts – it’s a powerful act of cultural pride and storytelling,” says Graetz.
“For a decade, it has brought Elders, artists, and community members together to honour tradition, celebrate innovation, and share stories passed down through generations.”
The retrospective is an important opportunity to come together and celebrate the past 10 years.
“We wanted to create a moment to look back, to honour the artists and Elders who have shaped this festival and to celebrate the beauty of our culture.”
Garrmalang Retrospective is for everyone to enjoy. It’s an opportunity for people from all walks of life to experience the beauty, resilience and vibrancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling.
“We invite everyone to come, listen, learn and connect with us. Garrmalang is about unity, understanding and respect.”
A highlight on the program is the teaming up of singer-songwriter Dan Sultan with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra Quintet for an evening of music and storytelling. Sultan’s iconic voice is accompanied by the stunning orchestral arrangements from Darwin’s own Netanela Mizrahi.
This year’s Retrospective is also home to Our Elders – a powerful storytelling session where audiences are invited to sit with some of Garramilla’s most respected Elders to hear their lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and deep wisdom.
The Festival’s history is also honoured with the opening of the Garrmalang Retrospective Photographic Exhibition, which pays tribute to the faces, moments and memories that have helped shape Garrmalang into what it is today.
Graetz says Garrmalang Retrospective is not just about looking back, it’s also about looking towards the future.
“Garrmalang has always been about amplifying our voices and celebrating our stories. Over the years, it’s become a platform for cultural exchange, learning, and unity. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and we’re even more excited for what’s to come.”
Photographic Exhibition
WHEN TUE 3 JUN – WED 30 JUL
OPENING MON 2 JUN, 5.30PM
COST FREE
Our Elders
WHEN SAT 21 JUN | 4PM
COST $25 | $20 MEMB/CONC | $10 COMMUNITY/MOB
Dan Sultan with DSO Quintet
WHEN SAT 21 JUN | 7.30PM
COST $60 | $55 MEMB/CONC | $15 COMMUNITY/MOB
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
INFO yourcentre.com.au
