Wild Violins of Warmun

30 October–5 November Warmun, East Kimberley

In 2018, the Wild Violins of Warmun program was initiated by renowned composer, performer, and teacher Dr Hollis Taylor. Students at Ngalangangpum School created new sound worlds and storylines on forty violins brought to the community for the project.

The 2022 iteration of The Wild Violins saw the introduction of dance and music workshops by Yawuru woman and former Bangarra dancer Tara Gower and sound artist Annika Moses. Students aged 4–13 years old were engaged in creating their own contemporary dance inspired by themes of family and fire, a strong presence in Gija culture. The middle and high school groups wrote their own songs showcasing school pride, confidence, and healthy living, including the songs Warmun! and Gija Girls. Tura facilitators had the privilege of travelling to Winiper Springs with local Elder and artist Evelyn Malgil, community members, and Ngalangangpum students to be blessed and swim in the waters that hold a significant creation story for the area.

In a culmination of the residency’s activities, the students performed in a whole school and community show, sharing artwork and drawings, newly learned violin techniques, songs performed by the school band, and contemporary dance pieces that they had created across the week.

Artists

Annika Moses | Facilitator

Tara Gower Facilitator

Community Partners

Ngalangangpum School

Warmun Community Inc.

Warmun Art Centre

Project Funding Partners

Healthway promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message

Acknowledgements

Tura and the artists thank the communities that have partnered with us, and the Gija people for their ongoing care, custodianship and connection to the land. Thank you to the Elders and community members who have smoked and blessed us, welcoming us onto their Country.