The Department of Tourism and Culture is today congratulating dancer and choreographer, Rachael Wallis of Nhulunbuy in North-East Arnhem Land, and Paiwan singer Mei-Chuan Sang of Taiwan, as the successful recipients of the 2018 Taiwan-Australia Indigenous Artist in Residence program.

The Northern Territory Government through Arts NT is a proud supporter of the program with a $100,000 contribution towards the two-year Indigenous Arts Exchange Artist in Residence initiative, with matched funding from the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Centre (IPCDC) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The Exchange is being led in Australia by Artback NT and the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Centre in Taiwan.

Department of Tourism and Culture, Arts NT Director, Ms Angela Hill, said the reciprocal program aims to promote the unique cultures and histories within Australia and Taiwan, while providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange between First Nations artists.

“We’re excited by Artback NT’s announcement of the recipients of this year’s Taiwan-Australia Artist in Residence program. Australia and Taiwan are both home to vibrant indigenous art scenes and this exchange program will strengthen collaboration while create exciting opportunities for both Mei-Chuan Sang and Rachael Wallis, expanding them into the international arena,” said Ms Hill.

“The program provides audiences with contemporary representations of First Nations perspectives through the arts, which will see Mei-Chuan Sang travel from Taiwan to the NT for six-weeks in August, while Rachael Wallis will travel from her home in Nhulunbuy, north east Arnhem Land to spend six-weeks in Rinari, Southern Taiwan in June.

“Building on existing partnerships, the program provides important development and showcasing opportunities for Northern Territory and Taiwanese artists and arts organisations in both countries, while deepening the understanding of our First Nations art and cultural value.”

Forming part of the Indigenous Artist Exchange program, the initiative aims to highlight the diversity of First Nations experiences, promote the cultures, languages and histories, and provide audiences with a sophisticated modern representation of First Nations perspectives.

Rachel Wallis’ exchange to Taiwan will broaden her experience while learning local song, dance and music that will influence her own dance – something she will share with the children she teaches in the community of Arnhem Land.

Mei-Chuan Sang’s visit to the Northern Territory will see him spend time in Darwin and Alice Springs, while Rachel Wallis will visit Rinari in Southern Taiwan.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Department of Tourism and Culture Media Manager 0447 130 495
Artback NT Executive Director Louise Partos 0421 744 269 or eo@artbacknt.com.au