UNTOLD Darwin 2024

UNTOLD Darwin brings together leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, creatives, cultural leaders and academics for a weekend of Indigenous-led conversation and connection.

Designed to deepen understanding, demonstrate interconnectedness and broaden awareness, audiences are invited to explore a diverse range of topics with esteemed Indigenous speakers from across Australia.

Now in its third year, UNTOLD Darwin has become an important contributor to the First Nations-focussed activity that occurs in Darwin across the weekend of the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

This year’s program has been curated by Larrakia, Jingili and Anglo woman Coby Edgar.

PROGRAM

Thu 8 Aug – Larrakia Locals

Local stories, Larrakia people

12pm- Larrakia Nation Welcome by Aunty Nadine Lee

12.30pm KEYNOTE - Keep Him My Heart
A conversation with Gary Lee and Maurice O’Riordan about Gary’s legacy.

Fri 9 Aug – On The Ground

Spotlight on grassroots projects born from local communities.

11am- Street art and its role in educating the public about First Nations peoples and culture
A discussion between Coby Edgar, Cyan Sue Lee and Lisa Waup.

12pm- Printmaking, creative partnerships and the legacy of the Kluge Ruhe
A discussion focussing on the value and connections forged through printmaking and the legacy of the Kluge Ruhe, the Basil Hall print studio and how it supports international awareness and relationships. Moderated by Jessyca Hutchens, with panellists Karen Mills, Lisa Waup, Brett Nannaup, David Bosun and Eleanore Neumann.

2pm- Song Spirals, from Country to Stage
A conversation with director Rosie Pearson and composer Andy Grimes about Song Spirals and the ancient songs and dances (buŋgul) that act as a guide for Yolŋu people.
Moderated by Coby Edgar.

Sat 10 Aug – ‘Big Eye’ Projects

Highlighting major retrospectives, surveys, publications and studies.

11am- Indigenous ways of engaging with our own literature and creative work
Coby Edgar in conversation with Dr Eugenia Flynn.

12pm- In Relation, more than an exhibition
Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni discusses her solo exhibition, In Relation with co-curator Coby Edgar and Colin Heenan-Puruntatameri. In Relation showcases Michelle’s work and life as an artist, cultural advocate, dancer and Tiwi woman.

2pm- Curating a truth-telling exhibition of First Peoples’ art and history that is both ugly and beautiful
A conversation that considers the pitfalls and constraints of contextualising the triumphal emergence of modern Indigenous art movements against a traumatic history of invasion, dispossession, missionisation and scientific racist experimentation. Moderated by Judith Ryan AM with Shanysa McConville and Coby Edgar.

Image: 'Bush String' Photo by Esther Linder.