Ailan Kastom showcased at Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival

BY CARLI WILLIS

Dhamuw-Koedal Cultural Group has showcased Torres Strait Islander culture at the seventh international Melanesian Arts and Cultural festival (MAC fest) in Vanuatu.

Choreographed by cultural leader Alick Tipoti, the family group consists of just six people.

Speaking to the Torres News from Vanuatu, Mr Tipoti said the support the group received from the moment they set foot on the shores of Vanuatu was humbling.

“It’s not just credit to us as a small family dance team, it’s a credit to Torres Strait Island culture,” he said.

“It feels like home, but on a different level.”

The group performed at the National Art Gallery of Singapore, and are currently in the Cook Islands performing, but this was their first MAC fest.

The invite came just weeks earlier, after the Australian High Commissioner saw their dances at the Winds of Zenadth Festival shared on social media.

“We started panicking because firstly, late night the email comes through and we think it’s a scam,” Mr Tipoti said.

But after looking into it further, the family realised it was the real deal.

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