How to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020 in Canberra

Posted on 10 November, 2020

Always Was, Always Will Be.

This is the theme of NAIDOC Week 2020 (8-15 November)—the heartfelt sentiment that Australia always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. A message we can all celebrate—now and beyond NAIDOC Week.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Canberra and Australia’s rich Indigenous culture—past, present and future—through NAIDOC Week around Canberra, from exhibitions and artist talks to workshops, tours and performances streamed to your living room.

2020 NAIDOC Poster.

NAIDOC in the North

Belco Arts has created a program of streaming options that showcase a diverse array of Indigenous performances for their week-long program, NAIDOC in the North, with performances released throughout the week.

Until 15 November | Free to stream | belcoarts.com.au/naidoc

From an Untouched Landscape

Vanished From an Untouched Landscape 4, 2018 Inkjet print on hahnemuhle paper with hole removed to a black velvet void , 50x50cm.

Artist and Nunga man James Tylor’s exhibition, From An Untouched Landscape is a highlight of this month’s DESIGN Canberra Festival 2020 and explores the lack of visible Aboriginal culture in the Australian natural landscape and the impact of this on European settlement.

Not only can you visit the exhibition at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space in Manuka from 9-29 November, but you can hear James speak about his work this Sunday 15 November at a very special artist talk.

Until 29 November | Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka | designcanberrafestival.com.au/event/from-an-untouched-landscape-james-tylor-exhibition | Free exhibition

Saturday 15 November | Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka | Free – $35 | designcanberrafestival.com.au/event/james-tylor-floor-opening-talk

The AIATSIS NAIDOC Week Illuminations

Join AIATSIS (the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) this NAIDOC Week to experience a series of spectacular illuminations on the National Carillon.

The projections will feature artworks and designs from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists participating in the AIATSIS online Indigenous Art Market.

Happening 8-15 November from 7.45 pm until midnight at the National Carillon, Parkes.

See aiatsis.gov.au/whats-new/events/naidoc-week-illuminations for more information.

Knight Frank Traditional Smoking Ceremony

Knight Frank is hosting a traditional smoking ceremony on Tuesday 10 November at their Civic offices.

Conducted by Gawura Cultural Immersions, registration are essential to attend.

Tuesday 10 November from 12.15–1 pm | Knight Frank, 2 Constitution Avenue, Civic | RSVP to natalie.stone@au.knightfrank.com | naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events/naidoc-week-smoking-ceremony

Graphic Intervention: Kayannie Denigan, My Country

Credit: 5 Foot Photography.

Artist and Luritja woman Kayannie Denigan has created a sweeping public mural—’My Country‘—on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin as part of DESIGN Canberra Festival.

Inspired by her grandmother’s Country of Central Australia, as well as Kayannie’s own upbringing in Cape York, ‘My Country’ is a vibrant celebration of place and belonging.

Until 29 November | In front of Reconciliation Place, Parkes | Free | designcanberrafestival.com.au/event/graphic-intervention-lake-burley-griffin-foreshore

Yurbay Indigenous Plant Workshop

Join Wiradjuri man and founder of Yerbay, Adam Shipp, as he explores and explains Indigenous plants and their properties in this free workshop.

This COVID-safe event will draw on Adam’s deep knowledge of Indigenous use of plants as food, crop and medicine.

Wednesday 11 November from 2.30–4 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Barrine Drive, Parkes | Free | naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events/indigenous-plant-workshop-0

Feature image: Kayannie Denigan’s Graphic Intervention, My Country. Credit: 5 Foot Photography.