Major event program sets the stage for Albany 2026

Published on Tuesday, 26 November 2024 at 8:00:49 AM

The stage has been set for Albany’s bicentenary in 2026 with the announcement of a major event program that will elevate recognition of Menang-Noongar culture alongside the narratives that have shaped our modern and multi-cultural community of today.

Made possible by a generous $5 million grant from Major Supporter Lotterywest, the City of Albany has led the curation of a program for Albany 2026 that seeks to support the advancement of reconciliation and foster a shared understanding of Albany’s diverse heritage.

Featuring local, national and international collaborations, the exciting program has been influenced by the vision, mission and themes of the City’s strategic plan for Albany 2026, underpinned by a Menang-First approach and developed in consultation with the community.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said the events would share community voices and stories and leave a legacy for Albany’s future.

“This program is very much about highlighting our community’s shared history which extends beyond the past 200 years and represents many different backgrounds and influences,” he said.

“It’s also equally important that this occasion tells the stories that bring us together and unite our community to look forward to a shared and prosperous future.”

The program is one of the largest procurements of arts and culture in regional WA and expected to draw audiences from across Australia to experience a year of creativity, innovation and storytelling.

“We’re very grateful for the support of Lotterywest and the community in bringing this program together for such an important milestone as 2026,” the Mayor said.

“Albany has a deep history and an abundance of creative passion and talent, and these events will only further enhance our capacity and reputation as a regional centre for arts and culture.”

In addition to the major events, the City is currently assessing applications for funding for community-driven projects and initiatives that will further enhance the Albany 2026 program.

The 7 projects that form the major event program are:

FORM Building a State of Creativity will present three events focused on looking out, listening into, and walking through the landscapes and stories of Albany. The Australian-first, “Lighting the Sound” with internationally renowned Finnish artist Kari Kola will illuminate 1000 hectares of the landforms in and around King George’s Sound. “Albany Is” showcasing the voices and stories from the area’s diverse local community; and one of the largest performative gatherings staged in Western Australia, “Carrying the Fire”. “Kaartdijin Boodja – Knowledges of Country” (working title) celebrates the Menang people’s profound connections to the land and sea surrounding Albany. The exhibition features significant objects from the WA Museum and international institutions, highlighting Menang kaartdijin (knowledge) of Boodja (Country) and their relationships with early visitors and settlers, including early colonist Robert Neill. Curated by the WA Museum and Deakin University in collaboration with members of the Menang community, the exhibition shares Menang kaartdijin, research and contemporary Menang fishing stories. It will be showcased at the Museum of the Great Southern. West Australian Opera and Breaksea present a groundbreaking fusion of music and storytelling with “THE ALBANY PROJECT”. Menang Noongar elders, contemporary artists, and the young people of Albany co-create a special new work to mark Western Australia’s first bicentenary. “Albany Then & Now” (working title) reveals stunning panoramic views of Albany’s past and present in a six-month exhibition at the Museum of the Great Southern. Explore vibrant stories of people and place, and Albany’s transformation over time, through immersive visual techniques and interactives. Developed by Curtin University, WA Museum and the State Library of Western Australia. THEATRE 180 will work with the local community to collect stories for their production “Albany – Our Place, Rain or Shine”, offering theatrical performances that involve and commemorate Albany’s history and diverse and multicultural community. Building on the success of First Lights Binalup, Fremantle Biennale will deliver “First Lights Kinjarling”, an immersive experience of guided walks, sound journeys and spectacular drone light shows led by Menang knowledge-holders and artists. The final piece of the program, “Djinung Maat”; this project will deliver community events such as yarning circles, school walking events, public planting days, and distinguished public lectures.

For more information about Albany 2026, visit albany2026.com.au

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