One of the most isolated Councils in the world has sent a troupe of artists to North America to promote their unique culture.
Galiwin’ku Community Government Council on Elcho island is located 600 kilometres east of Darwin. Though remote it is no stranger to the international stage. Works by local artists are featured in major collections around the world
The eight artists from the community have just returned from the trip which took them to Chicago and Toronto. There they took part in art exhibitions and promotions, dance performances and cultural exchanges with African Americans and Canada’s Inuit people.
Acting Council Clerk Mark Grose said the tour was very important for the Elcho Island community. He said although only eight people participated it was really the whole community involved.
“This is one of the ways the community can say, ‘this is our culture and we are still living it on a day to day basis,” he said. “The people of Elcho are presenting their culture to the world not as something from the past but as something that has real significance now.
“This trip is only part of the good things that happen here. It is one of the most positive and strong communities in the Territory and perhaps Australia.”
Judy Cameron from Kimberley Art Gallery in Melbourne, who accompanied the tour, said it was an outstanding success. “There was a very warm response from people, not just in art circles but on the street ,” she said. “People wanted to know more about the people, the place and their culture.
“Those who watched the performances realised they were seeing something very special. “The troupe which included three generations of one family, loved what they were doing and achieving. They were great ambassadors for Elcho Island and Australia.”
The troupe adopted the Christine Anu song ‘My Island Home’ as their theme for the tour. This internationally successful song was written about Elcho and the local Yolngu people.
