Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) will hold its Cultural Conversations: Be a Voice for Generations event this Saturday, June 3 as part of National Reconciliation Week 2023.
The free event will be facilitated by proud Gunditjmara actor and playwright Tom Molyneux and feature a panel of local First Nations artists, respected community members and allies.
Cultural Conversations will centre around discussions about how people can use their power and words to be a voice for reconciliation in everyday life.
The land on which GAC is situated has been a site for gathering, belonging and storytelling for the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation for thousands of years, and the event will be the third in GAC’s Cultural Conversations series.
GAC chief executive and creative director Joel McGuinness said it was important to provide a culturally safe space in which to engage, share and discuss.
“GAC is committed to a long-lasting reconciliation journey that acknowledges, respects, includes and responds to First Nations community,” Mr McGuinness said.
“Connecting First Peoples’ stories and voices with the broader community through meaningful conversations and sharing culture is vital for GAC.”
The Cultural Conversations panel will include proud Worimi artist Gerard Black, proud Adnyamathanha woman entrepreneur and Arranyinha business owner Marsha Uppill, former Geelong Cats star Mathew Stokes and Geelong MP and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens.
The 90-minute event welcomes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of all gender identities to gather, with attendees having the opportunity to engage with the panel in a yarning circle to explore how to be a voice for a reconciled tomorrow.
Ms Couzens said she was looking forward to participating in the inclusive event.
“Cultural Conversations is a powerful initiative that invites members of our local community to come together and learn from First Peoples in an open, supportive and safe space,” she said.
“This is a great opportunity for our region to gather as one and ally with First Nations community in a setting that nurtures Reconciliation Week through raw storytelling and varied art forms.”
To register for free visit geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events.
