Five events to attend in Black History Month

Sunday 15 August, 11.30am
QAGOMA

QAGOMA is partnering with our mates at Blaklash Creative to facilitate these deadly intimate tours of current works by First Nations artists. 

You’ll hear from First Nations storytellers and creatives as they highlight artworks from QAGOMA’s Indigenous Australian Art Collection and explore the complex stories of history, culture and place that they tell.

Not only is this a perfect way to sit, listen and learn but you also get an intimate insight into the stories behind the artwork and the importance of this work for all Australians.

You need to book through QAGOMA website and hurry because numbers are limited.

Sunday 8 August, 3.30pm
Woolly Mammoth

The history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be celebrated with an afternoon into evening of first nation artists. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. Featuring a solid co-hort of artists including Mr Jungjai (Troy) Brady, Rochele Pitt Watson, Toni Janke, Mr Linus Monsour and Getano J Bunn. 

Each artist will talk about their inspiration, why they wrote their songs on the theme of Healing Country, and perform a cover song inspired by an indigenous artist,

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with this deadly mob of storytellers!!!

Sat 3 - Sat 24 July
Metro Arts

Gamilaraay-born artist Debbie Taylor-Worley presents a body of work in response to returning to places of birth, childhood, and listening to the country speak.

Wun-ga-li Ngurrambaa Winanga-li utilises motifs based on Gamilaraay carved trees and incorporates weaving and embroidery techniques; drawing attention to the cultural practices of Taylor Worley’s female ancestors. Each work has been created in, and alongside significant waterways on country - reflecting Gamilaraay women’s responsibility to protect the waterways.

Debbie’s work is not only stunning, but it is deeply embedded in country, place and ceremony. An exhibition not to be missed and be sure to join in the artists talk on the Saturday 3 July.

Saturday 17 July, 7pm
QUT Gardens Theatre

The Joe Geia Band takes the audience on a journey into Queensland’s black history from Palm Island to Brisbane and the Torres Straits.

Featuring Geia’s iconic songs, significant events in Queensland’s black history will be revealed through music, visual content and storytelling. Geia’s history and career is inextricably linked to the events told through song in this show

If you want to understand the black history of Queensland, this is the event for you! Uncle Joe will take you on a journey of key moments and memories through song, unpacking sadness, joy and anger - I for one, cannot wait!

Get out in community! 

For me, the best way you can spend NAIDOC is simply getting out and about in community! There are always events and family days spread across the state that create a chance for you to get involved. Grab a seat, support Black business and immerse yourself in the NAIDOC vibe.

• Logan NAIDOC Celebration, Tuesday 21 September
• Northside NAIDOC, Thursday 30 September

And you know what, you can even host your own little NAIDOC celebration at your workplace, your local café, or even at home. NAIDOC is for everyone!

It’s a celebration of who we are as First Nations People in this country and an acknowledgement of how we need to work together to heal this country for the future.