Shire of Carnarvon to celebrate culture, arts and community in month-long This Life Arts Festival

The month of May will be a celebration of culture, arts and community in Carnarvon, with the inaugural This Life Arts Festival offering a diverse array of performances, workshops and exhibitions.

Two live performances are at the heart of the festival — Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s poignant production Songbird, and NT Dance Company’s compelling dance duet The Other Side Of Me by Gary Lang.

Songbird is described as an intimate tale of heartbreak, forgiveness, shared memories and sweet melodies.

The Other Side of Me confronts the tragic legacy of the Stolen Generations through the heart-wrenching story of one man stranded between two families, continents, and cultures. The Shire of Carnarvon has partnered with Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre to bring Lang and The Other Side Of Me to town.

The shire says the festival is not just about being a spectator, it is about active participation and engagement.

Local youth can participate in workshops, building on the success of local dance groups Coral Spawn Dancers and Pundarra Performance Group, which recently showcased at Jamba Nyinayi Festival on Baiyungu country.

A vibrant new mural will be unveiled during the festival, as well as a revitalisation of Egan Street.

The Shire of Carnarvon Library will also host the Art On The Move touring exhibition, Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Aboriginal arts and culture.

Shire president Eddie Smith said: “This Life Arts Festival embodies the spirit of our community and reflects our commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement. Through vibrant performances, exhibitions, and meaningful collaborations, we aim to create lasting memories and inspire positive change.”

For more information, visit https://www.carnarvon.wa.gov.au/community/arts-heritage-culture/this-life-arts-festival.aspx or follow the Shire of Carnarvon on Facebook.