Darwin International Film Festival
Iknow. I start most of these letters by commenting on how fast the year is going, but really, September? If you thought you could have a breather after the whirlwind that was August, think again friends.
Editor
Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) returns to celebrate the best of Territory cinema whilst showcasing cinematic gems from across the globe. In fact, the 2024 DIFF features work from all continents – you can’t get more international than that!
Exciting additions this year include the new satellite site over at the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service and a Wes Anderson showcase at Darwin Waterfront. With food vendors and local musos featured every night, plus the return of industry events like the NT Screen Summit, DIFF delivers yet again. I’m particularly excited about the opening night screening of Like My Brother, a documentary filmed over the course of six years that follows the journey of young female AFL players from the Tiwi Islands. Check out the main feature to find out more.
Festival season has very much hit its stride in the desert. The creative and cultural celebration that is Desert Mob returns with 30 Art Centres in tow, from early this month until late October. Enjoy a beautiful program packed with workshops, talks, after-dark events, a huge Desert Mob exhibition, and the highly anticipated marketplace.
Tierney White Managing Editor & Development Manager
Betty Sweetlove Contributing writer Jenna Hoare Copywriter
Our good friends at Red Hot Arts also return to present Desert Festival, a three-day celebration of art, music, dance and culture at the beautiful Olive Pink Botanic Gardens.
Up in the Top End, blue skies pop with colour, as the bright and colourful Darwin Kite Festival returns for a second year – this time, across two huge days. The free event offers a bunch of free, family-friendly entertainment, plus shuttle buses so you don’t have to worry about parking. Nice. Perhaps the sweetest thing about this beaut lil' festival is the look of absolute astonishment on young faces as they gaze up at the colourful characters and shapes in the sky. Cute as, Baz.
It's gig city this month. Enjoy a very special performance from Chali 2na at Bustard Town – who was an absolute delight to chat with! – celebrate 20 massive years of Music NT's Bush Bands Bash, and James Range Band from Pitjantjatjara community and their Melbourne mates, Floodlights, embark on a massive Central Desert regional tour.
In OTL news, we recently welcomed Jenna Kirkham to the team as our first ever Assistant Editor. Great to have you on the dream team, Jenna!
There’s so much to get amongst in the NT this month. September, you're lookin' pretty sweet to me.
Got an event in October?
If you've got an exciting event or experience anywhere in the NT next month, we can help you get the word out. From free promotion on our website to cost-effective rates in our print magazine, there's something to suit all budgets.
THU 5 SEP website listings (upload anytime – this just gives you a chance to get a free listing in print!)
TUE 10 SEP advert bookings MON 16 SEP advert artwork due
Jenna Kirkham Assistant Editor
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Calling all film buffs, filmmakers, music fans, and foodies – you’re invited to feast at the 2024 Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF).
Celebrating 15 flick-filled years, DIFF returns to present a jam-packed program with features and shorts from every continent around the globe.
By Jenna Kirkham & Tierney White
Darwin International Film Festival
WHEN THU 12 – SUN 22 SEP
COST FREE - $25 | FESTIVAL PASS AVAILABLE INFO diff.net.au
DA FEAST CROSS CONTINENTAL
ESTINED TO DELIGHT across 11 star-filled evenings of cinema, music and fare, the action unfolds across three Darwin Waterfront locations, including the beloved home of DIFF and Territory film, the Deckchair Cinema.
Featuring major award-winning films from Sydney Film Festival and Sundance, a stellar line-up of actors, directors and major industry players, and the second-ever international guest, the 2024 DIFF is a biggie.
“There are films from every continent, and the real highlights this year are that we’ve expanded the festival to include a much bigger shorts program,” says Festival Manager James Parker.
“We’ve got incredible shorts from Australia and New Zealand, but especially from Central Australia and in the Northern Territory. We’ve got shorts screening with all the early features, and we’ve got dedicated short film programs that are playing separately as well.”
Two dedicated shorts programs screen at newly enlisted satellite venue, The Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The Short Film Showcase features 100 minutes of fun, insightful, moving and inspiring Australian shorts. The Best of Timor-Leste Shorts features seven films that celebrate the rugged landscapes and raw natural beauty of Timor-Leste, and includes a visit from DIFF’s second-ever international guest, Bernardino Soares, here to present his film Titir Husi Maubisse.
“I am very proud that our film is recognised internationally, and that it serves as a musical and visually stimulating medium to promote tourism to Timor-Leste,” he says in a comment translated to English from Tetun.
The three sites are a delightful stroll or shuttle bus to and from one another, making it the perfect site for the lights, camera, action to unfold.
“You can do it all in the Darwin Waterfront. There’s also the Darwin Waterfront lawns, with a free, four film Wes Anderson retrospective. You can catch a film at 5pm, you can catch a film at the Deckchair at 7pm, and then a film later in the evening,” Parker says.
Foodies are well catered for with nightly feeds at the Deckie, plus an exclusive feast and film event at Hilton Darwin. Enjoy a screening of Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros, a fascinating four-hour documentary about a Michelin star restaurant owned by a French family, as you tuck into a four-course feast.
Staying true to its ethos of fostering local film development and providing opportunities for Territory filmmakers, DIFF welcomes back the two-day NT Screen Summit, something Parker says is the flagship industry event for the Northern Territory.
“There’s no other event where you have this many people under one roof together, networking, doing panel discussions, workshops, the works. You’ve got interstate special guests, major distributors, streaming services, and funding agencies. It’s a real opportunity for the local industry to meet, network and get their foot in the door of a difficult industry."
Also making a return is the SPARK NT Short Film Initiative, showcasing shorts funded by Screen Territory specifically to premiere at DIFF. Join 2024 SPARK directors Rebecca Parker, Damon van der Schuit and Samantha A. Laughton for the world premiere of their three films, Live From Alice, Fence, and Bear.
Riding on the coat-tails of SPARK success is filmmaker Mara Jean Quinn, whose first feature film, Andamooka, screens at this year’s DIFF after her short Desert Metal Dreaming screened as part of SPARK in 2021. Reflecting upon amazing female led talent, it would be remiss not to mention this year’s spectacular opening night feature, Like My Brother, coming to you from NT filmmakers, Danielle MacLean and Sal Balharrie.
“We’re incredibly lucky this year to have such a strong film to open with,” says Parker.
“Like My Brother features four young women from the Tiwi Islands who are rising AFL stars … it follows on into their lives and the challenges that come with family life versus taking on this career and being from the Tiwi Islands … and the challenges this represents.”
MacLean and Balharrie are joined by stars of the documentary Rina, Freda, Julianna and Jess, who take part in a special Q& A after the screening.
Not a festival to shy away from creating an immersive experience, DIFF offers a local caterer each night and live musical talents of some of Darwin’s fave locals, including Alice Cotton, Crystal Robins, Reverie, and Jigsaw Collective to name a few.
If you’re keen to make the most of your experience, grab a Film Pass or Full Access Passes to milk the 11-day film fest, set to provide a wholly unique experience each night through sight, taste and sound.
A very exciting development to this year’s festival is that it’s breaking beyond the boundaries of Darwin, and making the trek down the track, with DIFF Down the Road in Katherine later in the month, and Mparntwe/Alice Springs International Film Festival early next month.
Wherever you find yourselves in the Territory, there’s the chance to catch some cinematic gems on a big screen near you.
Background image: Andamooka
HIGHLIGHTS FESTIVAL EVENTS SPECIAL
Like My Brother - Opening Night with Special Guests
Follow four young talented Tiwi Island women as they navigate the social and physical hurdles of following their dreams to AFLW stardom. With the support of their community, they face triumphs and setbacks as they navigate cultural expectations, distance, and financial barriers. Filmed over six years, this is a triumphant and inspiring documentary.
WHEN THU 12 SEP | 7PM COST $11-$21
Andamooka
On the precipice of turning 30, Alex finds her whole life falling apart before her eyes. Seeking a glimmer of hope for her birthday, she retreats to Andamooka, a secluded opal mining town, to find comfort with her best friend. Set against the breathtaking landscape of remote Australia, Alex immerses herself in the magic of the outback.
With special guests Georgie Neave, Mara Jean Quinn, and John Schmidt.
WHEN MON 16 SEP | 7PM
COST $11-$21
Titir Husi Maubisse
Presented by The Asia Foundation, the New Zealand Government and Fundação Oriente, Titir Husi Maubisse follows traditional artists in Maubisse as they learn and experiment with traditional instruments. Join director Bernardino Soares as special guest for insight into how the film was made.
WHEN FRI 13 SEP | 5PM COST $11-$21
Screening four timeless classics, RFDS Retro brings a few golden oldies back to the big screen. Proof and Black Robe are presented by the National Film and Sound Archives digital restoration program, NFSA Restores.
Proof SAT 14 SEP | 5PM
Lunana: A Yak in a Classroom
SUN 15 SEP | 5PM
Mary And Max FRI 20 SEP | 5PM
Black Robe SUN 22 SEP | 5PM
COST $8-$10
Under Streetlights
An aspiring Aboriginal hip-hop artist in the desert forms an unexpected friendship with the daughter of the policeman who arrested his father. United by their love of music, the pair set out on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Based on a true story, the film follows an incredible story of resilience against all odds.
With special guests Jakob Harvey, Madison Hull, Leighton Mason, Danielle Loy, and Ken Lechleitner!
WHEN WED 18 SEP | 7PM COST $11-$21
The Monk and the Gun Set in 2006, Bhutan embraces all things modern, with the introduction of the internet, television, and democracy. In preparation for voting, a mock election is held for its citizens, however those in rural communities remain sceptical. As an election supervisor travels to remote areas where religion often outweighs politics, he discovers a monk is planning a secretive ceremony on election day.
WHEN SUN 15 SEP | 7PM COST $11-$21
Wes at the Waterfront
Wes Anderson takes over this year’s Waterfront Screen with a selection of family-friendly faves. Find the eccentrically charming and distinctive visual style of this filmmaker across four fun, flick-filled nights. Bring your blankets and settle in for this quirky journey of colour and motion picture magic.
Rushmore - SAT 14 SEP | 7.30PM
Moonrise Kingdom - SUN 15 SEP | 7.30PM
The Grand Budapest Hotel - FRI 20 SEP | 7.30PM
Fantastic Mr Fox - SUN 22 SEP | 7.30PM
COST FREE
The 2024 Australian Cinematographers Society NT Awards
The Northern Territory’s finest cinematographers are recognised at this night of celebration and recognition under the stars, featuring multi-award winning Guest of Honour Peter James, one of the greatest cinematographers of his generation.
WHEN SAT 21 SEP | 5.30PM AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA COST $130
Northern Territory Screen Summit
This two-day industry event supports NT screen professionals, game developers and people considering a career in the NT screen sector. The Summit explores craft, creativity and innovation with some of Australia’s most well-known screen specialists, and provides valuable networking opportunities for the local film industry.
WHEN SAT 21 & SUN 22 SEP AT CDU, DARWIN WATERFRONT CAMPUS COST FREE
Film Festival Feast
The ultimate dining and film experience for the cinephile foodie! This one-off event consists of a four-course dinner, drinks and the four-hour long mouth-watering film, Menus-Plaisir - Les Troisgros, set in a three-Michelin-star French restaurant. Oui!
WHEN SAT 14 SEP | 5.30PM AT HILTON DARWIN COST $175
SPARK
The SPARK Short Film Initiative returns for its ninth edition, with three incredible local short films making their world premiere. Join special guests and local filmmakers in welcoming this year’s selection of shorts for one of the festival’s most awe-inspiring nights. Hot tip – this one always sells out – so get onto your tix quick sticks.
WHEN FRI 20 SEP | 7PM AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA
COST $11-$21
All events at Deckchair Cinema unless otherwise noted
RFDS Retro
DESERT FESTIVAL
Delight in
The Red Centre’s beloved Desert Festival returns for a celebration of art, music, dance and culture, taking place at the beautiful Olive Pink Botanic Gardens.
By Betty Sweetlove
EXPECT A WHIRLWIND of multi-arts experiences themed around powerful voices, positive growth, and alternate realities. From immersive installations to musical and physical theatre workshops, enjoy a spectacular line-up of desert talent.
Inspiring this year’s theme are the local artists developing fresh new festival works.
“I took some inspiration from the Project Seed works that were already in development and these budding ideas around town,” says Creative Director Kim Haworth.
“Common themes that kept coming up were this perception of time and reality, and how they’re different in different spaces.”
Project Seed provides dedicated support to get new works onto the stage each year.
“It’s supporting local artists,
Synth School Plug into the world of electronic music in this fun workshop series led by Desert Festival artists. Learn the basic skills of electronic sound production and get to know how to use synthesisers. No experience needed.
WHEN MON 16 & TUE 24 SEP WED 2 & THU 3 OCT COST
supporting local arts workers and contractors, but then also bringing in other artists for mentorship. It’s about building communities of practice, sharing all of these experiences and skills,” says Festival Producer Zoe Blow.
“I think that's probably where the festival provides something that other events don't, in skills and mentoring.”
Amongst the stunning debut performances is Clown by Kate Emery.
“Kate’s previous show was really well received when it had a performance at Desert Festival last year, and they've taken this development as a chance to sort of really dig into, like, what can I do in this space? It’s really exciting,” says Haworth.
Ashleigh Musk and Ivan Trigo Miras also debut their collaborative installation, CRISÁLIDA, which
Exhibition Opening: PortalsTransformative Encounters Head to Watch This Space to meet the incredible Stick Mob Studio team, Seraphina Newberry, Alyssa Mason, Wendy Cowan and Declan Miller. Their evocative exhibition celebrates the power of collaborative storytelling and the launch of their new graphic novel.
WHEN FRI 20 SEP | 6-8PM COST FREE
blends video, objects, and sound.
“I don't think they've done a project like this together in this particular art form, but it is obviously blending skills that they already have in this new, exciting way. We saw a preview for that last week, and it looks really special and meditative and soft,” Haworth says.
Visual art lovers can join powerhouse creatives Stick Mob Studio at their immersive exhibition, Portals - Transformative Encounters.
“They're going to do another graphic novel launch as part of it and a comic art making workshop as well as their exhibition, which is taking what's usually on the page into a 3D format. It’s very cool,” says Haworth.
With workshops running all weekend, why not pick up a new skill at this year’s festival?
“The Saturday programming
Deadly Funny: Comedy Workshop & Performance
First Nations comedians and storytellers share five minutes of hilarious material. Workshop registrations are open for entrants to polish their skills with a seasoned pro!
WHEN FRI 27 SEP WORKSHOP 3-5PM
SHOW 5.30-6.30PM COST FREE
showcases Sleep D and electronic production more broadly. We’ve got some Synth School workshops happening, so people who might not necessarily usually have access to electronic instruments can come in and learn and delve a bit deeper into the genre,” Haworth says.
Not to mention the powerful line-up of interstate artists making their way to the desert.
“We've got [Territorian] Emily Wurramara and Dallas Frasca, who will be mentoring the Music NT Desert Divas, and they'll be performing as well,” says Haworth.
“Coloured Stone will help close out the festival and be a big celebratory moment.”
Celebrate the bounty of the Centre, the fruits borne from Project Seed, and delight in desert culture.
Mparntwe/Alice Springs Stomp
Join Brisbane-based physical theatre company Zen Zen Zo as they share their specialty training methods in this action-packed workshop. Led by company founder, Dr Lynne Bradley, registrations are open to all performers, directors, teachers and emerging artists.
WHEN SAT 28 SEP –
Festival
Photo: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore
Emily Wurramara
AROUND TOWN
Skies spanning the Cullen Bay Lawns pop with colour this month, as the bright and bold event that is the Darwin Kite Festival returns for a second year, this time, across two huge days.
By Tierney White
SOARING
AFTER LAUNCHING KITES at the hugely successful inaugural event in 2023, the Darwin Kite Festival returns to give kite-gazers –young and old – something extra special to peek at, with hundreds of giant and colourful kites expected to take to the blue Top End skies.
Darwin Kite Festival invites revellers to look up, yes, but also down and sideways – there’s more to this sweet little festival than what floats above.
Enjoy local fare from a wide range of local food trucks and nearby eateries, and free kids’ entertainment with bouncing castles, facepainting, music, roving performances, and more.
Little ones get the chance to decorate their own kites, and can order one ahead of time to partake in the decorating workshops before they take flights in the public fly zone. A delight for young and old alike, one Darwin daddio says he’s definitely taking his two small children along.
“I guess nothing like this necessarily comes to Darwin very often, and kids love the magic of seeing these huge things in the sky, it’s pretty awesome,”
he says.
“It’s appealing to kids – and to grown-ups – and there’s other cool stuff there, too. It’s outside, near the beach, and heaps of other families go along. It’s pretty exciting.”
New this year is The Kite Express and Kite Shuttle, free and dedicated bus services to get you and the family safely to and from your sky-gazing experience.
So get your Mary Poppins on – let's go fly a kite and send it soaring!
Kite Festival Darwin WHEN FRI 20 & SAT 21 SEP AT CULLEN BAY LAWNS COST FREE INFO activtedarwin.nt.gov.au
CULTIVATING CREATIVITY
ARE YOU A Territorian with a creative idea bubbling away? Keen to explore some creative career development? Need some dosh to make it happen? The NT Arts Grants Program can help!
There’s a bunch of grants up for grabs across a range of categories, giving creatives financial support to explore their arts practice, development and ideas, including Quick Response Grants, Professional Development Grants, and Creative Communities Grants.
A fantastic initiative is the NXT Gen ARTS Grant, which sees young people aged 18-25 employed in established arts organisations. Some previous participants have gone on to gain ongoing employment within the Territory arts sector, which is ultimately the dream scenario.
The Arts Projects Grants provides up
to $30,000 to support the creation and showcasing of arts, including a new touring category that supports performing and visual arts touring activity within the Territory.
Betty Sweetlove and Jasmine Story are creatives from Mparntwe/Alice Springs, who received funding to support their Theatre Makers Program in 2024, created to support the connection of theatre makers at any level to enrich theatre skills, and provide a hub for researching, developing and making new work. Sweetlove says this financial support has been instrumental for the program.
“It has been amazing … we have extended the program since 2023, taken on 10 local artist facilitators who can run workshops, and also brand-new this year is they each provide mentorship for our 15 participants,” she says.
LISTINGS
By Tierney White
“This support from Arts NT means that Jazzy and I can be paid properly as producers … we can’t grow the sector without proper pay and working conditions, and it’s massive professional development for us.”
So throw your creative ideas out there or explore creative development opportunities. The arts sector in the NT is strong, and oh so worthy of investment.
Father's Day
Don't forget to spoil the dads and dad figures in your lives, or surround yourself with loved ones if it's a challenging day for you. Take a trip down to the jetty and try for a barra, hit a few balls at the local golf range or simply head out for a nice feed..
WHEN SUN 1 SEP
Darwin/Garramilla Climate Café
The Climate Café offers a supportive space to help like-minded community members reflect and share personal feelings and experiences around today’s climate crisis, ecological collapse and current world affairs.
WHEN SUN 1 SEP | 10-11.30AM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS STUDIO COST FREE | DONATIONS ACCEPTED INFO climatecafedarwin@gmail.com
An Enlightened Life: 5 Part Series
A life guided by wisdom allows you to be truly successful and fulfilled. In parts five of this series learn further teachings on avoiding some of the pitfalls you may find on your spiritual journey, as well as how to practically and successfully apply ancient wisdom in your daily life.
WHEN SUN 8 SEP | 5-7.30PM AT NIGHCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST FREE INFO darwin@asmy.org.au
Talk Transformations – The Changing Nature of the Territory
Join Dr Richard Willan, Curator Emeritus of Molluscs, on International Museums Day to explore MAGNT’s best-loved permanent gallery, the Natural History Gallery.
WHEN THU 5 SEP | 11AM-12PM AT MAGNT COST FREE INFO magnt.net.au
DED – Creating Community and End of Life Doulas
Join Dr Annetta Mallon from Gentle Death Education and Planning to learn about end-of-life consultants (also known as death/end of life doulas and death walkers). As well as building a compassionate community to avoid carer burnout during end of life.
WHEN SAT 7 SEP | 2-4PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS COST FREE INFO deathcuriousdarwin@ gmail.com
Cocktail Movie Lounge -
The Princess Bride
“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” What a classic line from a classic flick! Dom's returns with the movie of the month, so grab your friends and enjoy a throwback to the eighties with The Princess Bride. A fab movie and cocktails? As you wish...
WHEN SUN 15 SEP | 7.30PM AT DOM'S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au
Reinvent Yourself: How Meditation Changes Everything
Want to live a happier life with clarity and focus? Join Buddhist nun Kelsang Monlam for a one-day workshop and discover how meditation can help you take back control of your mind!
WHEN SAT 21 SEP | 10.30AM, 12PM & 2.15PM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY COST $75 INFO meditateindarwin.org
Silent Pages: A Shared Reading Experience
It’s hard to make time to read when life is full of distractions. Come along and enjoy a serene space where you can escape with a good book and enjoy some together alone time. Whether you come with friends or solo, it's a perfect way to unwind midweek.
Theatre Makers
WHEN WED 25 SEP | 6.15-7.30PM AT THE LAST SUPPER COST FREE INFO thelastsupper.com.au
Italian Inspired High Tea
Enjoy Italian fare at The Last Supper, where you're treated to a variety of sweet and savoury Italian inspired delights. Grazie mille!
WHEN SAT 28 SEP | 12-1.30PM AT THE LAST SUPPER
COST $109 FOR 2 | $149 FOR 3 INFO thelastsupper.com.au
Geek Up
This free event for young people aged 15-25, held on the last Sunday of the month, offers three fun activities. Enjoy board games, Dungeons and Dragons, and digital art with special guest artist Mayushii.
WHEN SUN 29 SEP | 1-4PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au
Tiny Tots Playgroup
Let your little stars shine bright at this free weekly playgroup. Suitable for children aged six months to four years, this walk-in event does not require tickets. Fun!
WHEN EVERY MON | 9-11AM AT THE QUARTER, CASUARINA SQUARE COST FREE INFO casuarinasquare.com.au
InVogue Dancing
Pop on your dancing shoes every Friday and enjoy a weekly mix of standard ballroom and Latin American sequence dances. Everyone's welcome, and it's seniors friendly, with tea and coffee provided.
WHEN EVERY FRI | 10AM-12PM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE
COST $8 INFO infomania@internode.on.net
Food Trucks at Cullen Bay
All hail the Dry season! Round up the gang and head on down to Cullen Bay for a magical evening. Tuck into a range of food trucks to delight your tastebuds, accompanied by the best sunsets in the Top End.
WHEN EVERY FRI, SAT & SUN 5-8PM AT CULLEN BAY FORESHORE INFO facebook.com/ cullenbaymarina
Ken's Crepes Mindil
WHEN EVERY SUN | 8AM-1PM AT EAST POINT RESERVE INFO facebook.com/ kenscrepesmindil
MIND & BODY
Mums and Bubs Pilates
Join Rich Life Health and Fitness for baby-friendly Pilates. Strengthen, stretch and rejuvenate with your baby, and say hello to flexibility and strength. For mums with babies under one-year-old, bring a mat for your little one. If your baby is asleep during class, there's plenty of space for prams.
WHEN EVERY MON | 10-11AM
AT RICH LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS
COST $15 | FREE MEMB INFO rlhf.com.au
Kirtan Immersion with Yadu & friends
Enjoy a night of non-stop kirtan with special guest, Yadu, and friends. A total kirtan immersion with heart-felt tunes and mantra chanting to wash your worries away.
WHEN SUN 1 SEP | 5-7PM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST FREE INFO darwin@asmy.org.au
TRE (Tension/Trauma Release Exercises)
WHEN MON 9 & 23 SEP
6.30-7.30PM AT THE WELLNESS HUB DARWIN COST $20 INFO nebula.net.au
World Suicide Prevention Day Forum
This two-day forum is aimed at providing world-wide commitment and prevention towards suicide. Participate and learn from local and national keynote speakers, presentations, panel discussions, workshops and training.
WHEN TUE 10 – WED 11 SEP
8.30AM-5PM AT CDU, CASUARINA CAMPUS COST $25-$125 INFO sabrinasreach4life.com.au
Meditation Classes: Happiness, Success & The Law of Karma Why are some people naturally happy while others experience problems and obstacles? Explore this universal law and learn how to live in harmony with it by creating
DOWN 2 CLOWN
JOIN PERFORMER/FACILITATOR Anna Thomson for an eight-week series in contemporary clowning. Through solo, duo and group exercises, driven by movement and working through the body, embrace the joy in letting go of preconceived ideas of what funny is, to embrace and celebrate your innate ridiculousness.
WHEN EVERY WED, 4 SEP – 30 OCT | 6-8PM AT LUDMILLA COST $290 | $260 CONC INFO facebook.com/annathomsoncomedy
good fortune and eliminating problems at a deeper level. Drop in any week, no booking required.
WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-8.15PM AT SENIORS COMMUNITY HALL
COST $15 INFO meditateindarwin.org
Sunset Yoga
Watch the sun set over Cullen Bay Beach, as you relax into this flowing yoga class on the grass with smooth transitions between postures. BYO mat or hire one from the friendly team. All abilities welcome.
WHEN EVERY WED | 6PM AT RICH LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS
COST $20 | $18 SEN | FREE MEMB INFO rlhf.com.au
Movement Medicine WHEN EVERY SUN | 10-11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE
COST $20 INFO movement.magic@yahoo.com
RED CENTRE
Emerging Writers Group
Want to get writing and meet other writers in Mparntwe/Alice Springs? The Emerging Writers’ Group is a place for would-be writers, not quite writers, and anyone who needs time and space to put words onto the page. Each session, members facilitate a series of exercises and sharing opportunities in a supportive and stimulating environment. Sessions are held in-person for NT Writers Centre members.
WHEN EVERY THU | 5.30-7.30PM AT RED HOT ARTS
COST FREE MEMB INFO ntwriters.com.au
Pizza Nights
Got a craving for pizza? Scratch that itch and grab a hot slice every Thursday at Epilogue Lounge. Whether you choose to share a few with your mates or want a hot disc of deliciousness all to yourself, there's plenty to go around.
WHEN EVERY THU | 5-10.30PM AT EPILOGUE LOUNGE
COST $14 PIZZA | $6 HOUSE BEER INFO epiloguelounge.com.au
Margi and Taco Saturdays
Turn your Saturday into Saturyay, amigos, with margs and tacos on the Epilogue Lounge Rooftop. Feel like busting a boogie? Lucky they have a pumping dance floor. Muy bien!
WHEN EVERY SAT | 5-10.30PM AT EPILOGUE LOUNGE
COST $8-$35 TACOS | $15 MARGS INFO epiloguelounge.com.au
Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company have joined forces to present The Visitors based on the critically acclaimed play by Jane Harrison – a riveting and deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history.
By Tierney White
WHEN TUE 10 SEP | 7.30-8.45PM
THE VISITORS
SEVEN CLAN LEADERS gather on a sandstone cliff overlooking the harbour in January in 1788, where they laugh, share a meal, and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter and hospitality is a significant decision they must make.
As a mysterious fleet of giant nawi (tied-bark canoe) gather in the harbour, they must decide unanimously whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them.
Directed by celebrated Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch, the theatre work took out Best Mainstage Production and Best Ensemble at the 2023 Sydney Theatre Awards. Now, it’s the Territory’s turn to experience this important piece of theatre, with a special performance at Darwin Entertainment Centre as part of a regional tour.
Actor Zoe Walters hails from the NT, and says theatre is an important vessel for truth-telling.
“I think, especially in this post-referendum world that we’re living in, it’s really important to tell these stories, to keep these stories alive, and to not let the defeat of the referendum stop us from progressing and moving forward,” she says.
“If there is a silver lining, it is that everyone is talking about the future of this country and moving towards reconciliation in this country, and it’s
really important to keep that conversation alive. I think this story, this play, absolutely just drives this narrative.”
More than entertainment, theatre, music, film and art on the whole is an important part of our cultural and social fabric, with the ability to bring people together, to share humour, sadness and happiness, and, importantly, to learn.
“In the arts … it isn’t just telling people facts. It’s being entertaining and it’s being clever. It’s making people think, and it’s a lot more complicated than sitting down and listening to a speech or listening to someone tell you the facts – it’s making you think and come to your own conclusions,” Walters says.
“It really immerses the audience in a story that otherwise a white audience doesn’t get to experience, hearing those conversations and being part of the story. I think it really brings people together, theatre, and it moves us together.”
Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible theatre work featuring some of our country’s most talented creatives, and experience a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.
Photo:
DEADLY FUNNY
IT’S THAT TIME of year, comedy lovers, as emerging First Nations comics take the mic to dish out their original giggle-inducing material.
Presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Deadly Funny unearths the freshest and funniest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talents across our great continent.
Budding comics compete in heats in more than 20 towns and communities across Australia, with winners going on to compete in the Deadly Funny National Grand Final at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. No gammon.
The nation-wide comp has catapulted the careers of deadly comedians including Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri, Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie and Sean Choolburra, to name a few. Heats for rib-tickling Territorians are held in Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek this month, and comedy
lovers are invited to sit in and enjoy the diverse mix of talent as it’s unearthed.
Leon Filewood is a lawyer who was born and raised on Waiben (Thursday Island), Kaurareg Country, in the Torres Strait. He took out the national competition in 2018 after starting comedy for the first time at the age of 37, and joins Dane Simpson to run the pre-show workshops. Filewood says comedy is so much more than just a form of entertainment.
“Humour is part of Mob’s sort of essence of being, you know what I mean? Obviously there’s Sorry Business … but typically, when Mob get together, we always have a laugh, it’s just the way we are I guess,” he says.
“The other big piece for me is we’ve got 236 years of colonial history, obviously intergenerational trauma and those sorts of things, and comedy for us and the space of humour in general, especially
TIME TO TAKE THE WHEEL
By Jenna Kirkham
RUNNING FOR ITS fourth consecutive year, SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre continues to bravely take on the hard-hitting topics affecting today’s youth, with their latest production TIME.
Created for and by young people, TIME is a response to the troubling and confronting reality of teen deaths and lives lost on Territory roads each year. With this in mind, it’s never been more apparent for teens to understand the risks that come with the responsibility of having a driver’s licence.
TIME follows five teens as they rocket down the Stuart Highway, the wind in their hair as the speedometer clocks twice the speed limit. They excitedly embrace their newfound freedom, only to find their liberation is short-lived.
This incredibly powerful, bold and proactive response weaves music, words, movement and relationships to convey the confronting consequences that are all too real for the young people of today.
SLIDE has a great track record of using powerful and educational
By Tierney White
with Mob, is healing, you know? There’s so much Sorry Business in our communities … we need every opportunity to be able to reflect and heal, and comedy is a big part of that.”
Get set for a night of laughter near you to find out who could be reppin’ the Territory at the national final in 2025. Too deadly.
Darwin WHEN TUE 24 SEP | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $15
Alice Springs WHEN FRI 27 SEP | 5.30PM AT OLIVE PINK BOTANIC GARDENS COST FREE
Tennant Creek INFO comedyfestival.com.au
youth-led performances to communicate important messages to youth, the dance company refusing to shy away from critical youth-based issues.
Although challenging, SLIDE has delivered and crafted a beautifully honest and powerful performance, acknowledging the anguishing reality of the topic whilst reminding us that life is precious.
Hoping to inform novice drivers on the unknown risks they may face, TIME has been deemed essential viewing for all young drivers and has already been watched by over 6,000 Darwin and Katherine students and community members.
Aiming to inspire wiser decision making and ultimately save young Territory lives, the unique and though-provoking choreography of TIME is sure to leave a lasting impression.
WHEN WED 11 - FRI 13 SEP, 10.30AM & 7PM | SAT 14 SEP, 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $20-$35 INFO yourcentre.com.au
The Beat Festival
Made up with over one thousand 12 to 18-year-old students, Beat Festival brings to the stage an impressive 300-voice choir, 30-piece orchestra, dance groups, rock bands, soloists, music ensembles and vocalists, in this annual performing arts showcase. Talk about Territory talent!
WHEN WED 4 – FRI 6 SEP | 7-8.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $24-$36 INFO yourcentre.com.au
Peter Williams - Return of the Medium Psychic-medium and author Peter Williams returns to Darwin after sell-out shows across the world. Is your dearly departed waiting on the other side to make contact? Head along to find out.
WHEN SUN 15 SEP | 7-8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $55-$75 INFO yourcentre.com.au
Cirque Africa
From the director of hit Broadway show Cirque Mother Africa comes Cirque Africa, featuring the best talents from across the African continent. This rhythmic, colourful, and awe-inspiring show features acrobats, dancers, musicians, and contortionists.
WHEN FRI 20 SEP | 7.30-9.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $79.90-$94.80 INFO yourcentre.com.au
Join GUTS Dance for an introduction to contemporary dance, including technique, floor work, improvisation and choreography. These classes are great for anyone looking to start from scratch or get back into dance in a comfortable rhythm, focusing on getting your bones and muscles moving in a relaxed and fun environment.
WHEN EVERY TUE | 6-7.15PM AT GUTS STUDIO, ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
COST $17 | $140 10-CLASS INFO gutsdance.org.au
Chance to Dance
A beginner’s dance class for adults over 50. Come and learn a mixture of different dance styles in a welcoming space. No dance experience needed, just a desire to move. A fun way to get fit, learn new choreography and meet new people!
WHEN EVERY THU | 6-7PM AT GUTS STUDIO, ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
COST $17 | $140 10-CLASS INFO gutsdance.org.au
From Bush TO PLATE
By Jenna Kirkham
From humble beginnings as a small artist co-op out of Brown’s Mart, Aboriginal Bush Traders (ABT) now offers a beautiful café space, catering service, and retail gallery, all directly supporting the Indigenous community.
LOCATED ON THE ground floor of the Charles Darwin Centre, you will find a treasure of Indigenous art and homewares, native jams, teas and spices as well as a tasty bush inspired menu.
“It’s quite a simple menu, not over the top fancy or anything but every single food in here will have a bush spice or some sort of bush food element,” says Belinda Foster, ABT Gallery Coordinator.
Their signature pepper berry sausage rolls are a delicious take on an Aussie classic that incorporates pepper berry, native thyme and bush spices. ABT Café’s cakes and muffins often feature wattle seed or lemon myrtle, and their rosella iced tea is the perfect refreshment for a hot Darwin day.
Sourced from around Australia and featuring seasonal produce, ABT is conscious of from whom and where they source their materials.
“As long as we’re getting it off a native grower or Indigenous
business, we’re still showcasing bush food provided by Indigenous mob,” says Foster.
“Everything in the gallery, at some point in the supply chain, an Indigenous person’s paved … It might be a collaboration where growers are providing the food to the producer, and a lot of that is showcased here in the café.”
As a non-for-profit organisation ABT is committed to ensuring proceeds directly support community Art Centres and Indigenous artists. All art within the gallery is ethically sourced, with a strong focus on Top End artists.
“We’re trying to educate tourists as well about the Indigenous art sector … showing as many different styles as we can.”
As the gallery showcases all things art, the kitchen is also not afraid to step things up with the introduction of the tacodile. Created as a special request for music sensation and NIMA award-winner BARKAA, the
tacodile is a spin on the Mexican dish using crocodile as the filling.
ABT’s catering menu also shows off some of the best of their unique bush inspired cuisine. Bite into their tasty selection of sandwiches, hot foods and antipasto, or enjoy roast kangaroo sliders with a side of savoury damper and bush tomato relish.
The space is a great multi-purpose setting for the community to connect, offering an ideal location for the public to enjoy. Open to after-hours events, corporate breakfasts and workshops, it’s the perfect place to embrace culture in the CBD.
With its central location, traditional tucker inspired menu, a plethora of catering options and delicious tasting plates at the ready, ABT is ready and waiting to delight both your eyes and your tastebuds.
RED CENTRE
Open Contemporary
Barkaa and Nooky enjoy a tacodile!
40 Years of Literary Triumph
By Jenna Kirkham
WHEN WED 4 SEP | 5.30PM AT NORTHERN TERRITORY
LIBRARY
COST FREE | REGISTER ONLINE INFO lant.nt.gov.au
SINCE 1984, THE NT Literary Awards have celebrated the unpublished works of Territorians, and this month, the 2024 winners are revealed.
With over 240 entries coming in hot across seven categories – essay, flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short story, theatre and youth – the awards are an annual highlight for not only aspiring authors, poets, journalists and writers but the award coordinators as well.
“The awards have been a highlight of the NT literary scene for 40 years, and Library & Archives NT are incredibly proud to have supported the rich talent of Territory writers since 2002,” says Library & Archives NT’s Senior Director, Tracy Puklowski.
As the NT Literary Awards celebrate 40 years this year, the panel of judges continue to have their work cut out for them, with 22 works shortlisted.
This year’s shortlisted entries include Clare Bizley’s creative non-fiction entry Jim Jim Falls (In and Out of Love), Fiona Dorrell’s poem Precious Thing, Dave Clark’s short story Make Some Noise, and Joe Abraham’s flash fiction entry, Sirens.
In
of the Slum. The year 12 student, after being encouraged by his teachers, took a shot at submitting his work and was surprised to have won.
“I didn’t expect to win – it was a great shock, and after that I think I’ve gotten a bit more confident in my writing skills. It was just really exciting and the whole process of going through writing a story was really nice,” he says.
“It’s good to see all the works published at the end of the ceremony in the book you get, and when you’re reading through all the great works done by everyone in the NT … it’s a really nice feeling.”
With 40 years of showcasing incredible local talent, the NT Literary Awards continue to be a great opportunity for writers to celebrate their achievements with friends and family, and a boost of encouragement for aspiring storytellers. Winners are announced at the awards ceremony at Northern Territory Library in Parliament House, which is live streamed to Red Kangaroo Books in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Abraham won the 2023 Kath Manzie Youth Award for AKAL –
the Shadows
2023 NT Literary Awards Winners
DISCOVER CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
HOT MONTHLY TIPS FROM OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT TOURISM CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER, YOU can deep dive into the culture of the region through music, art, and dance. The array of events explores history, tradition, culture, creativity, and community spirit to bring people together and embrace what makes this region so special.
If you’re looking for the ultimate art experience, and perhaps even purchase a piece of Aboriginal art, Desert Mob is the perfect event for you. One of the nation’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals, it features artists from over 30 Aboriginal Art Centres across the NT, SA, and WA.
Performing arts enthusiasts can immerse themselves in music and dance, with both the Desert Song Festival and Desert Festival. This year’s Desert Song Festival is the last one curated by Morris Stuart, which makes it an unmissable event. The Desert Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts celebration of rich NT culture, located in the beautiful bush surrounds of Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, a true highlight of Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
The iconic Bush Bands Bash (BBB) is also back to celebrate 20 huge years, definitely one not to be missed. BBB is a celebration of contemporary
Indigenous music that allows remote musicians’ voices to be heard live. It is an event where a wide audience of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous crowds unite to celebrate rich Australian cultural heritage. Music fans can dance to the rhythm of rock, reggae, folk, world, and country.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Dust off your cowboy boots and chuck on your Akubra for Barkly Rodeo early next month in Tennant Creek. This action-packed afternoon and night of rodeo, seeing some of the best rodeo talent right in Tennant Creek, is a fun event the whole family can enjoy.
With so many significant events happening, get out there this September and enjoy the cultural spectacle Alice has to offer.
INFO discovercentralaustralia.com
Desert Song Festival – Ormiston Gorge
VISUAL ARTS
Cultivate Connection at DESERT MOB
Artists and art lovers pour into Mparntwe/ Alice Springs for Desert Mob this month, set to experience a colour-popping program, exhibition and marketplace. Experience the gathering of over 30 Art Centres in this celebration of Country, community and culture.
By Betty Sweetlove
FEATURING ARTIST TALKS , after-dark events and the much-anticipated marketplace, Desert Mob is an annual arts highlight for visitors and locals alike. Curators Hetti Perkins and Aspen Beattie can’t wait to open this year’s gallery doors.
“We're super excited again this year. It's always such a pleasure because it's just such a beautiful time of the year and all the wildflowers are out and everything, so Central Australia is just gorgeous,” says Perkins.
“People can't wait to come for the show and be part of it all. So that's always for us the most exciting thing, that the artists are happy, because it's their event.”
Their creative partnership over the last two years has resulted in an explosion of new events including the all-day Symposium. In 2024, a record-breaking 35 Art Centres feature in the program.
“I've been so privileged to have Hetti kind of be my mentor in this journey, and just see how important it is to be collaborative and, you know, open your ears to the Art Centres and the artists that you're working directly with, making sure that it's artists first,” says Beattie.
major works, you know, ones that you'd expect to see in state galleries or art museums. So that's really exciting,” says Perkins.
The exhibition centrepiece showcases Maruku Arts, the Anangu-owned arts collective based in Mutitjulu. Internationally renowned Maruku director Rene Kulitja, who’s work Yananyi Dreaming famously covers a Qantas Boeing 737, opens the show.
“We've invited [Rene], and she's very generously accepted our invitation to open Desert Mob this year. So, again, we're very, very excited about that,” says Perkins.
“We're privileging their voices when we're hanging their work or accepting their work into the exhibition and just giving them that platform to shine.”
Perkins says they have big plans for the beloved event moving forwards.
“We are very ambitious for Desert Mob. There is no end to the talent and so we're really trying to make sure we can support as many expressions of our culture as we can in this space,” says Perkins.
The sublime scale of the works in this year’s exhibition has to be seen to be believed.
“One of the things that we're really seeing is a lot of the works are quite
“[Maruku is] one of the original Art Centres that have been a part of Desert Mob from its beginning. They're still here and we're really trying to show them off on their 40th birthday,” says Beattie.
“We were really fortunate to be able to work with Verity, who's the CEO at Maruku, to select some Punu works because that's again been something that they're really known for since their first exhibition 40 years ago, since they were incorporated,” says Perkins.
Adding to the opening night atmosphere is the soothing sounds of musician Keanu Nelson Tjakamarra. Attendees can take advantage of the exhibition opening from 5pm, giving visitors an hour to enjoy the artworks before grabbing a spot to listen to opening speeches.
“It really is that principle … of culture first. You know, privileging the artist’s voice is at the centre of it, and that's why we encourage people to actually come the first night. The works are only for sale locally, the exhibition's not online, so we do make sure that people living in Mparntwe have first go at the beautiful works on display,” says Perkins.
With so much culture on offer, workshops, talks and after-dark events are in high demand. Explore the full program for an opportunity like no other to experience the richness of First Nations culture.
Desert Mob 2023 Exhibition installation image with work by Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Warlukurlangu Artists
Photo: Rhett Hammerton
Photo: Rhett Hammerton
Photo: Ivan Trigo Miras
Desert Mob After Dark curator floortalk
Cindy Kunoth of Utopia Art Centre at Desert Mob 2023 Marketplace
Photo: Rhett HammertonCourtesyDesart Images courtesy of Desart
ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS
Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre | aboriginalbushtraders.com MON-FRI, 9AM-3PM
Richard Long, 'Kurlatarti (bush orange)', acrylic on canvas, 61x61cm
Ngurra ma ngu durr warla yibu nginyi ma (the country is restored after the big rains of the wet season)
A POP-UP EXHIBITION featuring works from Karungkarni Arts, which is based in Kalkarindji, a community 460 km south-west of Katherine.
UNTIL MON 30 SEP
NCCA Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | nccart.com WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 8AM-2PM
THE FIRST EXHIBITION of its kind on the subject in NT. The group show celebrates the contemporary cultural legacies shared between First Nations Australians and visiting Macassan seafarers, with newly commissioned work from Aboriginal and Indonesian artists, including recent and historical work from across Northern Australia.
Djambanpuy Dhawu, 'The Tamarind Tale', 2023, photographic still single-channel video, 3min 38 sec
TACTILE ARTS
19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay | tactilearts.org.au
TUE-SAT, 10AM-2PM
Colour CONFERENCE
GODINYMAYIN CULTURE CENTRE
Lot 3238 Stuart Hwy, Katherine | dvaa.net.au MON-FRI, 9AM-5PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM
SUBMERGED CONTEMPLATES THE interconnected relationships that bind humanity to the awe-inspiring, mysterious aquatic and subterranean realms. Brought together by regular drawing sessions, this diverse group of Territory artists embark on a journey to discover the complex threads that tether us to the depths of our planet's waterscapes and beyond.
UNTITLED GALLERY + STUDIO
Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove | darwincommunityarts.org
WED-FRI, 11AM–4PM | SAT, 10AM-12PM
UNTIL SAT 28 SEP
KATHRYN DWYER IS a Darwin-based visual artist with a keen appreciation for the natural beauty of the Northern Territory. Inspired by birds and nature, and their intricacies and patterns, she brings light, life and nature to paper and wood, offering extraordinary insight into our joyful NT environment.
Symbol// Signal
SYMBOL//SIGNAL USES two formats to represent the interlacing of objects and emotions, focusing on the ability to create, edit, and reinterpret memories. Abbey uses iconic Darwin colours in her prints and still life paintings to reimagine disparate memories of personal themes and events.
Abbey Hall, 'A Union (II)', acrylic on canvas
Kaye Strange, ‘Hidden Sparrow’, 2024, acrylic on paper, 43x43cm
Kathryn Dwyer, 'Electric Ibis', 2023, gouache, 82.2x60.2cm
DARWIN VISUAL ARTS
8 McMinn St, Darwin | dvaa.net.au
WED, 12–5PM | THU & FRI, 10AM-5PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM
RRAMBAŊI BUKAWAY
THE BUKAWAY GROUP based in Nhulunbuy create stunning metal art using the ancient lost wax casting technique. Made from recycled aluminium, their sculptures bring Dreaming stories to life. Visit the exhibition to experience their shimmering totems and deep connection to North-East Arnhem Land.
Quincy Yarrngu, 'Goanna's nest', 2022, aluminium, 14x10x10cm
Palimpsest of Life
THIS EXHIBITION BY Debbie Walter is a thought-provoking visual arts project that reimagines memento mori. This PhD journey connects a personal reflection on death to the global warning of the Anthropocene. Concepts are explored through portraiture and suggested landscapes, reflecting on life's fleeting nature and our collective legacy.
Embracing Essence: The Beauty Within
THIS EXHIBITION BY Sarah Strzelecki begins to capture the diverse beauty of the feminine form and intimate moments of life. Through soft and expressive brushstrokes, this collection celebrates individuality, motherhood, and the innocence of childhood, inviting viewers to reflect on their own personal journeys and the beauty that lies within.
Sarah Strzelecki, 'Poised', 2024, digital painting printed, 42x29.7cm
MAGNT Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher Street The Gardens, Darwin | magnt.net.au DAILY, 10AM-4PM
Telstra National ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ART AWARDS
Author, Artist, Activist
"I AM A carpenter, painter, mosaic artist, sculptor, and more. My art is diverse and ever-evolving. As a mother to many, I use art therapy to create a sanctuary at home and create thought-provoking pieces for others to own."
- Karen Fletcher
THE TELSTRA NATIONAL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) is the longest running and most prestigious awards for Indigenous artists in the country. This exhibition celebrates the diverse artistic practice of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait art from across Australia.
The 2024 Telstra NATSIAA showcases 72 finalists, featuring 42 female artists and 21 emerging artists. Noli Rictor took out the overall prize for his work, Kamanti.
“Noli’s work is a testament to his exceptional talent and deep connection to the Spinifex Lands. His depiction of the Wati Kutjara Tjukurpa at Kamanti offers a powerful glimpse into his heritage, beautifully illustrating the Ancestral narratives that shape his Country and community." - Adam Worrall, Director of MAGNT
Debbie Walter, 'Tired Dad portrait with end of life paperwork', 2022, bitumen paint and collage on canvas, 90x121cm
Karen Fletcher, 'Absorbing the message of Change', 2024, acrylic on canvas, 120x90cm
Noli Rictor with his award-winning work, Kamanti
Photo: Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
A Stroke of Genius
If you’ve attended any of Tactile Arts’ Makers Markets or exhibitions over the years, you’d know Territory locals are positively brimming with artistic talent. So, an award to recognise said talents makes sense, right? Right. Cue the inaugural Northern Territory Art Award.
AS AN ORGANISATION on the forefront of the NT’s contemporary art scene for decades now Tactile Arts, in collaboration with Darwin Visual Arts (DVA), is thrilled to launch the inaugural Northern Territory Art Award.
Tactile Art’s General Manager Aneka Truman says, after previous surveys conducted found an art award in Darwin sorely missing, they look forward to bringing an award like this back to the Territory.
“I don’t believe there’s every really been an art award in Darwin. From the 1980s to early 2000s, there was an award called the National Craft Acquisition Award … where, nationally, people could enter amazing craft pieces,” she says.
“MAGNT were showing me these amazing things, and obviously then I had a conversation with my board at Tactile and asked, ‘why aren’t we doing this anymore?’”
With the combined forces of Tactile and DVA, the goal is to make the award as big and as successful as possible for artists in the NT.
“It’s really a case of celebrating what amazing talent we have in Darwin and the Northern Territory, and trying to showcase … the best of the best to try and get people to see how amazing everyone is.”
To enter, artists must currently be residing in the NT, with the submitted work having been completed in the past two years. All mediums
By Jenna Kirkham
are accepted, with a handsome first place cash reward of $5,000.
“It would be great if people, whether you’re an artist or just a hobbyist, it would be great to have people just entering and exploring art,” Truman says.
“I would hope the NT Art Award will help people to try and get interested in art, try something new.”
Highly commended pieces will be featured in exhibitions in Darwin, at the Hilton as well as the Tactile Arts Gallery.
“Exciting that it’s the first one and hopefully many more to come,” says Truman.
WHEN FRI 13 – SUN 29 SEP AT TACTILE ARTS GALLERY
WHEN THU 19 – THU 26 SEP AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
Photo: Charlie Bliss
CHALI 2NA
WHEN TUE 10 SEP | 7-11PM AT BUSTARD TOWN
COST $35 INFO bustardtown.com
With his unmistakable baritone voice and six-and-a-half-foot charm, Chali 2na has established himself as one of hip-hop’s most celebrated and charismatic personalities. Known for co-founding music groups Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, he's collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names. He’s also an established visual artist and a genuinely lovely human.
Tierney White had a chat with him ahead of his gig at Bustard Town this month.
Chali, thanks so much for your time. You’re coming to Darwin – how did we land on your radar?
I mean, you know, my theory about all of this thing when it comes to music is that you go where you’re wanted, and I’ve been to Darwin – in the 20 years we’ve been coming to Australia – maybe twice? I just remember it being on the map with Jurassic for sure, I’m not sure if it was on any of my solo ones, but I definitely remember coming down there at least once, at the very least once. So, I’m happy to go wherever anybody wants me to come, especially if it’s to perform, and it’s an appreciation of the art that I do.
Your bio says you’re a painter that can rap – not the other way around. Can you tell us a bit about your artwork?
As long as I can remember I’ve been a visual artist, I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t attracted to being able to pull off something visual. I can remember a time when I was with all my cousins – I have several, I have a huge family, okay, let’s start with that – and my cousins would come to hang out and my mum and my aunts and friends and everybody would want to hang out, too. They’d want to get us occupied, put us in the same room, put us in front of the TV, and give us a bunch of, like, construction paper, pens, and markers.
I’d find myself sitting in front of the TV with a big piece of paper and just start drawing and stuff, I can remember that, from as long and as far back as I can remember, so that alone was a love that I had for anything artistic.
When hip hop came along, I was instantly attracted to graffiti. I mean, I love the music and everything, but it was kind of commercial for the lifestyle, if you feel, the culture, but I was instantly attracted to anything
I learned how to rap eventually just playing around with poetry and looking at it as audio art, you know what I mean? But I wasn’t as serious about it as I was about painting
until these opportunities came where, you know, hanging out with fellas doing demos turned into real job opportunities [laughs].
That’s the dream! [laughs] We have some amazing street art here in Darwin, you gotta check it out! So, you’re a founding member of Jurassic 5 and also rock band Ozomatli but having huge success as a solo artist. What’s that journey been like for you?
Well, I will say, it’s always better, in my opinion, when you’re in congregation, if you feel me, with a bunch of guys able to pull off something that is extremely attractive – audio, visual, both – you know what I mean? That being said … I always think it’s better, and the product comes out better, when you have more minds.
But I will say, as a solo artist – being with Jurassic or being with Ozo, or being in both groups at times –where, sometimes, my ideas didn’t fit … I would either swap the two or have this overabundance of work that I could just try to put on different things.
By the grace of God, I was attracting a lot of solo work, and when I say solo work, I mean a lot of collaborations – people calling me to collaborate on a track. So I just had this work in me, and I think after that, because I was really eager to get all of this stuff out, no matter the cost, so to speak, I wasn’t really trippin’ on putting anything out negative in the work because it definitely wasn’t where I was coming from, but I did like the fact that I was being approached by all these outlets and I could do all this music.
It was fun to do, and eventually when I was given the opportunity to do a solo project for the first time, which was Fish Outta Water, I wasn’t really thinking about it like solo, I really wanted the group to prosper … I’m saying this I guess because it’s easy to take care of yourself, right, to know kind of what you like … It’s a harder process as a solo artist, but I feel like, at the same time, it’s more rewarding when the thing that you’re creating becomes something that people like. Sorry, that was a
long answer!
No, I get it – thanks for taking the time to explain it, I really appreciate it. And how does it feel, decades later, to still be doing what you love and still having so many show up for you?
Blessed. I feel blessed. I’m extremely grateful and I look at people like BB King who went until they couldn’t anymore, and I’m wondering if that’s what my path is? I don’t know, I’m willing to accept it if that’s what it is [laughs]. I’m happy that we get these opportunities, I’m happy to have some of my closest friends working around me … I feel blessed. I can’t really put it any simpler than that!
Yeah, why over complicate it? And for those that haven’t had the pleasure, what can punters expect from a Chali 2na show?
Lyrical acrobatics for one, songs, if you’ve ever heard anything that I’ve done you’ll get to actually see it live. We come from the era where being clever meant everything, we come from the era where your show speaks louder than anything you may say out your mouth in an interview, so for me, I like to entertain.
You’ll see a plethora of the different genres of music that I’ve touched, with the school of hip hop, education that I have [laughs] so to speak, right? Also, it spans my career, it’s also like a masterclass, but it’s a celebration of hip hop.
Well, I think something you’ll find a lot of us Darwin crowd doing is hitting the dancefloor, and your tunes lend themselves to that. Any plans while you’re in town?
You know, I’m not certain if we have a day off the day before or after, but if we do, I’ll be there for two days … Usually I would try to link up with the local graffiti artist and do something, so if you know someone?
I do. I know the person, I’ll put you in touch. And you gotta try a laksa and visit a crocodile while you’re here, too!
Are you serious? Okay. [laughs] I will be bringing my camera, that’s the stuff!
Photo: Jorge Sevilla
BUSH BANDS BASH
The highly anticipated Bush Bands Bash returns to Mparntwe/Alice Springs this month, celebrating the richness of First Nations music, language and culture from across Australia’s most remote regions.
THIS YEAR’S LINE-UP welcomes 10 incredible acts from different Red Centre and Top End regions, as well as Western Australia. Family Shoveller Band comes all the way from Bidyadanga, 180 kilometres south of Broome in the Kimberley, and Blackstone Daylight Band traverses the border from their vibrant namesake community in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
But it’s not just the distance they’ll travel to play that makes these acts unique. The breadth of languages featured in the songs of these artists is arguably unmatched for a one-day concert. Attendees have the opportunity to hear music in eight Aboriginal languages from across the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Solo artists from MusicNT’s Divas program also join the ranks to wow crowds. Australian/Luritja artist Jessica LA returns her collaborative soundscapes and personal renditions of pop and R’n’B to the Red Centre, and Bronwyn Stuart from Ntaria graces the stage with her signature country sound.
Bush Bands Bash is much more than a music festival. It’s also the culmination of a four-day intensive workshop where artists and expert industry mentors come together at Ross River Resort to hone their performance skills and build music business knowledge. This annual development program, Bush Bands Business, concludes with the main event concert in front of a keen audience.
As always, the concert reaches audiences far and wide online via a recorded broadcast on ICTV and through CAAMA Radio. ICTV’s coverage of Bush Bands Bash has continued to win awards for its massive viewership across remote communities, and this year’s 20th instalment of the Bash has the potential to break even more records.
Celebrate the 20th year of this significant artist development program in Mparntwe at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, which has over the years allowed remote artists to refine their skills and share their craft with a diverse audience in a family-friendly, drug-and-alcohol-free setting.
WHEN SUN 15 SEP | 4PM–10PM AT ALICE SPRINGS TELEGRAPH STATION COST $10 | FREE U16 INFO musicnt.com.au
WHEN THU 19 SEP | 7-10PM, AT GAP VIEW HOTEL cost
GUTS TOUR RETURNS with James Range Band from Pitjantjatjara community and Floodlights, a rock outfit from Melbourne.
Travelling via a solar powered 4WD convoy bus, this tour focuses on including regional and remote
WHEN FRI 20 SEP | 6-9PM AT MUTIJULU
WHEN SAT 21 SEP | 6-9PM AT DOCKER RIVER
WHEN TUE 24 SEP | 6-9PM AT KINTORE
communities located in the Central Desert Region and around Alice Springs. James Range Band shares music and stories about family, culture and Country, and with their friends Floodlights joining them on the road, you know it’s gonna be a good time.
WHEN WED 25 SEP | 6-9PM AT MOUNT LIEBIG
WHEN THU 26 SEP | 6-9PM AT PAPUNYA
WHEN FRI 27 SEP | 6-9PM AT SANTA TERESA
Photo: Ivan Trigo Miras for MusicNT
The Desert Eagles
Pele
Photo:
GIG guide
OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the NT.
To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au
Sunday Reggae Sessions
Experience the ultimate Sunday session with the incredible Dj Ragga Rae. Let the infectious rhythms of Reggae music wash over you, filling the air with positive energy and good vibes. Bring your friends and enjoy the musical journey with your favourite cocktails in hand.
WHEN SUN 1 SEP | 4.30-7.30 PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au
This relaxing monthly arvo of music is a must-see, must-do, must-hear. Strum a song and belt out a ballad, or kick back with a drink in the shade while other talented musos do!
WHEN SUN 1 SEP | 3PM AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ firstsundayblues
Beatrice
Beatrice, an electrifying force in Australian music, is a multi-talented producer and performer with Haiku Hands and Kardajala Kirridarra. As a solo artist, she’s collaborated with Suzanne Ciani, Theo Parrish, and more, and has supported heavyweight music acts like Jon Hopkins and Vegyn. !
WHEN FRI 6 SEP | 7-11PM AT BUSTARD TOWN
COST FREE INFO facebook.com/bustardtown
Drum & Bass Massive
Join resident DJ's Monk and Zinzan with a special guest each month, as they rinse Bustard Town with the hottest ragga, jungle, liquid and jump up drum & bass. Blasted on Darwin's heavyweight hand-built sound system Speargrass HiFi, this one's for the purists.
WHEN FRI 6 SEP | 9PM AT BUSTARD TOWN COST FREE INFO facebook.com/bustardtown
LIM – Dry Season Closing Party
No fancy lights, thrills or gimmicks at this free event. Just quality house, tech and rominimal beats all night long with DJs Him & Her (Grace Murphy and Pete Stone) and HoH.
WHEN SAT 7 SEP | 9PM AT BUSTARD TOWN COST FREE INFO facebook.com/bustardtown
Darwin Celtic Music Sessions
Bring your instruments and mates along for good tunes and craic, featuring local and visiting musos playing through an array of traditional and contemporary music from Ireland, Scotland and the Celtic diaspora. All newcomers welcome.
WHEN SUN 8 SEP | 4.30-8PM AT THE LAST SUPPER COST FREE INFO topendfolkclub.org
Hot 'n' Cold Big Band
Entertaining Darwin since 2009, the Hot 'n' Cold Big Band teams up with the hottest dancers from Swing Dance NT every Wednesday night. Come along and join in the fun.
WHEN EVERY WED | 8-10PM AT DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB COST $10 INFO facebook.com/ darwinrailwayclub
Weekends at Willing
Kick off your weekend at Willing Distillery with local food trucks and chilled live tunes from homegrown musos. If you’re thirsty, there’s award-winning gin, a curated cocktail list and NT craft beers.
WHEN EVERY FRI & SAT FROM 12PM AT WILLING DISTILLERY COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ willingdistillery
Nat and Max Duo
WHEN EVERY SUN | 4-8PM AT THE CAVENAGH HOTEL COST FREE INFO thecavenagh.com.au
Sunset Sounds Round out your weekend by the beach with the sweet sounds of
Rock THE BAY
BACK BY POPULAR demand, Rock The Bay returns for a second year to Darwin Ski Club. Enjoy an unforgettable day of indie rock with Ball Park Music, Merpire, The Rions, The Smith Street Band, and The Terrys. Don't miss the music, fun, and great vibes by the beachside.
WHEN SAT 21 SEP | 2-10.30PM AT DARWIN SKI CLUB COST $82-$102 INFO facebook.com/willingdistillery
local musicians backdropped by an iconic Top End sunset. Dreamy, right? Rolling through until September, Sunset Sounds invites you to the Cullen Bay lawns for a relaxing arvo, so head seaside and enjoy live local tunes as the sun sets on another Sunday.
WHEN EVERY SUN | 5.30-8.30PM AT CULLEN BAY FORESHORE COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ cullenbaymarina
RED CENTRE
Horrorshow
Horrorshow is 10! To celebrate, the hip-hop duo is on a lap of the country, hitting capital cities from coast to coast before finishing in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
WHEN SAT 7 SEP | 7-9.45PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $30-$40 INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
Joe Camilleri & the Black Sorrows
As one of Australia’s most prolific and enduringly popular bands, Joe and the Black Sorrows are renowned for their high-energy live shows, musicianship and infectious roots-soaked blues rock.
WHEN SAT 28 SEP | 7.30-8.45PM
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $40-$69 INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
Mic Night
Got a hot new act you want to unleash on Alice Springs? Whether you're strumming acoustic tunes, cracking jokes or interpreting emotions through movement, Alice Springs Brewing Co is keen to showcase what you've got!
WHEN EVERY WED | 7-9.30PM AT ALICE SPRINGS BREWING CO COST FREE INFO facebook.com/aspbco
Friday Knock Off
Round out the working week with cold bevs, great food and sweet tunes from a live DJ at Epilogue Lounge. With regular food and drink specials, including a suite of spritzes, chicken wings and that warm desert hospitality, it's a sweet way to see in your weekend!
WHEN EVERY FRI | 3-10.30PM AT EPILOGUE LOUNGE INFO epiloguelounge.com.au
Sunday Music
Dive into some sweet tunes every Sunday at Alice Springs Brewing Co, and enjoy a few cold ones and a feed in the sunshine with friends and fam. Keen to strum a ditty or two? Throw your name in the hat!
WHEN EVERY SUN | 4-7PM AT ALICE SPRINGS BREWING CO COST FREE INFO facebook.com/aspbco
By Tierney White
DESERT SONG FESTIVAL
MPARNTWE/ALICE SPRINGS
desertsong.com.au
Join the NIMA award-winning Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir as they present Arrkanala Lyilhitjika. Since performing at the Desert Song Festival in 2015, the choir has appeared at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Concert Hall, Kennedy Centre in Washington DC and the Castleton Festival in Virginia. Don’t miss their beautiful harmonies.
WHEN TUE 17 SEP | 7.45-9.30PM COST $20-$40
Voices from the Desert
The festival was built on a vibrant choral movement that has been building since 2006. Tonight, choirs from the Central Desert will strut their stuff, joined by visiting ensembles from interstate and Europe.
WHEN THU 19 SEP | 7.30-9.30PM COST $15-$35
Men Aloud
See Men Aloud perform a spectacular showcase concert as part of this year’s Desert Song Festival, featuring voices from the likes of The Shavings, OLGA and The Australian Welsh Male Choir.
WHEN SAT 21 SEP | 7.30-9.30PM COST $20-$45
Hometown Lovin’
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THE RIFF RAFF that is Jigsaw Collective is coming to a haunt near you, Top Enders, as the beloved local contemporary soul, jazz and blues band embarks on a hometown tour.
Since forming as a student band at Charles Darwin University in 2004, Jigsaw Collective has delighted the ear holes of many a music fan in the 20 years since. Their high-energy, no-holds-barred performances have a knack for turning each stage they occupy into a dance floor, every note into a party.
With a swag of local gigs and festival appearances across the country including Adelaide Fringe Festival, Wallaby Creek Festival, the bands’ also toured internationally to Indonesia, Cambodia, Greece, and Madagascar.
Fronted by Jack Tinapple, the soul-infused, groove-powered juggernaut has seen band members flow to and from the Collective over the years. Current members include Dylan Bennett, Nick Jack, Paul Easton, and Tommy Anderson, who are joined by Kadek Hobman, Sarah Lynar, Lukas Bendel and Merran Neilson on the hometown tour. Tinapple says the hometown tour’s been on the cards for a while.
“We haven’t toured for a while actually, since pre-COVID, and we don’t have the touring circuits we
used to have but we wanted to do a string of gigs … and we thought why not make it a hometown tour? Get a sound we’re excited about and play around town,” he says.
Suffice to say the band’s excited to hit the local touring circuit. Tinapple says they draw strength from their local fans.
“That’s the strength – it’s your team, your family, your community. You gotta rebalance to get back into the family, the community, your crew,” he says.
“We played a really, really good gig at Seabreeze Festival – we played the main stage for closing night – and it was just gold. The people really embraced what we were doing, it just went off. And it really inspired us with our local crew, after that we did another gig at Bustard Town, and a lot of the crew from the festival showed up and were dancing amongst the pot plants, it was great … it didn’t matter because they were having a good time.”
And that is precisely what a Jigsaw Collective gig does – it guarantees a good time is had by all, as the band members’ deep love for original music and passion for live improvisation creates the perfect mix to get punters in the mood for a boogie.
“One thing people should expect is
that we don’t know what to expect, so they don’t know what to expect, which is what makes a Jigsaw gig fun – we have no idea what we’re gonna do,” Tinapple says.
“I dunno what’s gonna happen, but it’s gonna be great!”
If you’re ready to groove, let Jigsaw Collective take you on a musical journey where the soul is deep, the jams are wild, and the vibe is always electric.
Jigsaw Collective Hometown Tour
WHEN SUN 8 SEP | 5.30PM AT MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKETS COST FREE
WHEN SUN 15 SEP | 5.30PM AT SUNSET SOUNDS COST FREE
WHEN SAT 21 SEP | 6.30PM AT HAPPY YESS (HOUSE CONCERT) COST $10
WHEN SUN 22 SEP | 2PM AT COX COUNTRY CLUB COST FREE
WHEN SUN 6 OCT | 2.10PM AT TERRITORY BAR-BQ FESTIVAL COST $24-$140
INFO facebook.com/ jigsawcollective
Arrkanala Lyilhitjika
