Blak Lines Cultural Protocols Framework

APPENDIX E: BLAK LINES CULTURAL PROTOCOLS FRAMEWORK There are three platforms in the Cultural Protocols Framework which are underpinned by four themes in each platform.

Building Connections

Developing Audiences

Supporting Touring

Theme 1

Theme 1

Theme 1

Empower communities

Activate the Blak Market

Be culturally appropriate

Theme 2 Listen and learn locally

Theme 3 Value culture

Theme 4 Provide resources

Theme 2 Embed culture in the local experience

Theme 2 Establish cultural protocols for presenting

Theme 3

Theme 3

Embed culture in all programming

Resource beyond the performance

Theme 4 Provide a safe and welcoming environment

Theme 4 Celebrate

42 | P a g e

Platform One: Building Connections Themes 1. Community Empowerment

Ideas • • • • • • •

2. Listen, learn local

• • • • • •

3. Valuing Culture

• • • • •

4. Resources

• •

Empowering community Cultural advisory group to guide you Relationships with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members Develop protocols with local people Use existing local ATSI roles – council, education etc.

Recognise and remove barriers Reconciliation action plan Show a willingness to learn Awareness of local community cultural protocols and customs Learn about local culture and understand processes Learn language to include in welcome Awareness of the cultural history and significance of the place the venue is located Find out and acknowledge the significance of Place – know where your venue sits on Country Acknowledgment and inclusion Be passionate, be patient, be involved, be curious – long term!

Trust and respect Don’t put culture in separate boxes Time Who can fund a part time local ATSI engagement officer?

Partnerships Uni/institutions

43 | P a g e

Platform Two: Developing audiences Themes

Ideas

1. The Blak Market

• •

Promotional strategies targeting ATSI people Use existing networks

2. Embedding culture in the local experience

• •

Audience Journey: Box – Show – Merchandise Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners at the beginning of performances Understand your local community Identity and Place Customise o Welcome o Know history of venue site o Local language o Local culture

• • •

3. Embedding culture in all programming

• • • • •

4. Welcoming and safe environment

• • • •

Engagement across all programming Engagement by all audiences in all programming At programming stage, run the work (or shortlist) past your local elders Side events Engagement months or years before tours occur Create a culturally welcoming environment Host elders at performances Involve “Friends of” groups in welcome ceremonies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community champions

44 | P a g e

Platform Three: Supporting Touring Themes 1. OMG Culturally appropriate

Ideas • • •

2. Cultural protocols for presenting

• • • • • • • • • •

3. Resourcing beyond the performance

4. Celebration

• •

Use networks appropriate to the work Ensure protocols all clear with elders from where work is generated Look at what is appropriate – ask the question Venue protocol Welcome ‘Ceremony’ Introducing work Cultural parameters for arts centre (pro forma) Embed across venue team Team involvement – embedded (cultural brief and production brief) Re-program our thinking A strategy for hosting touring companies Meet/welcome the company with your whole company Hosting touring company by local mob

• • • •

Resource and community engagement Change the conversation with OFTA re. support for engagement Build consultation into budgets Budget for protocol Have a back-up Employment of ATSI people

•

Celebrate (the work)

45 | P a g e