- QPAC’s 2023 Clancestry opened today, marking a decade since the festival’s establishment to celebrate First Nations arts and cultures.
- The festival features an exciting program of concerts, workshops, theatre and children’s events, held from 8 to 12 November 2023.
- The First Nations-led festival supports more than 100 First Nations artists and arts workers and brings the community together with powerful storytelling, cultural knowledge and hands-on activities.
Celebrating First Nations arts, cultures and storytelling at the State’s premier performing arts venue, the 2023 Clancestry festival kicked off at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) today marking a decade since its inaugural presentation.
Curated and led by First Nations producers and providing employment opportunities for 117 First Nations artists and arts workers, the festival will connect audiences with the rich histories and cultures of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people over the next five days.
The festival program features a variety of free and ticketed concerts, workshops, theatre and children’s events and brings together an impressive line-up of established and emerging First Nations artists, including acclaimed didgeridoo artist William Barton, Country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley, and winner of the 2022 Billy Thorpe Scholarship Cloe Terare.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:
“In the 10 years since it was first presented, Clancestry has become a highlight in our state’s cultural calendar – engaging locals and visitors with unique and compelling First Nations stories, performances and cultural activities.
“As home to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Queensland is uniquely positioned to showcase the diversity, talent and contributions of First Nations artists and communities.
“Clancestry 2023 will present the work of emerging and acclaimed First Nations performing artists, sharing their stories with growing audiences, building new markets, and promoting important actions towards truth-telling and healing as we continue the Path to Treaty.
“QPACs delivery of Clancestry supports the Palaszczuk Government’s 10-year roadmap Creative Together, which aims to elevate First Nations arts and share our stories and celebrate our storytellers.
“Clancestry is particularly important as we look to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which is set to be a powerful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures in Queensland.
Quotes attributable to QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas:
“At QPAC, we greatly value our role in supporting and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, artists, arts workers and organisations throughout our programming.
“Clancestry is an especially important moment in our calendar as it allows a week-long focus on celebrating and promoting the incredible richness and diversity in First Nations arts and cultures.
“Stories of culture, family, and heritage are crucial to every part of the Clancestry program, and we are thankful to each person involved in this festival for their collaboration and contributions through song, dance, theatre, conversations or interactive workshops.
“We are thrilled that this year the program will extend beyond QPAC’s theatres and onto the Festival Ground site on the banks of the river.
“We look forward to this space becoming a hive of activity to honour and celebrate this country that has been a place of meeting and connection for generations of First Nations peoples.”
Quotes attributable to QPAC Head of First Nations Programming Bradley Chatfield:
“The QPAC First Nations team takes great pride in presenting Clancestry 2023. Our program resonates with the spirit of Queensland and the profound essence of First Nations arts and culture on a national scale.
“The festival honours both seasoned and emerging artists, offering an array of experiences with an electrifying vibrancy that is uniquely our own.
“At the heart of this year’s Clancestry is the Festival Ground, designed for community to partake in the joy of free performances and family-friendly activities while providing opportunities to engage with First Nations artists, musicians and dancers.
“This is a remarkable journey of celebration and discovery as we honour the enduring legacy of First Nations arts and culture in Queensland and beyond.”
