Australia's delegation to FOPA 2008
The Australian delegation to FOPA 2008 have been chosen to represent a breadth of talent, artforms and cultural practices from across Australia.
These artists are well known in their communities and the world for their ground breaking work. They have toured, exhibited, performed and represented Australia across the globe. Some groups have just returned from overseas tours or are about to embark again. All the artists chosen reflect this modernity of Indigenous life in Australia.
Of note is the large Torres Strait Islander representation. The cultural practices of the Torres Strait have much in common with other Pacific nations.
One of the first professional Aboriginal photographers, Mervyn's career spans four decades. His iconic images include the 1975 photograph of then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pouring soil into the hand of traditional landowner Vincent Lingiari.
Singer-songwriter Dewayne Everettsmith's original songs are influenced by contemporary music, his life and his connection to both the Gunai nation of South-East Victoria and the Tasmanian community who thrived on Cape Barren, despite government policies which sought their removal.
Lisa Michl's earth tones and the intricate marks create paintings that are both delicate and bold; expressing creation stories, traditional practices and the everyday lifestyle that has been passed to her by her Kokoberrin elders from central west coast of Cape York Peninsula.
Freshwater; sisters Nardi, Jilda and Lucy Simpson and best friend Kaleena Briggs come together to sing traditional language stories and contemporary songs. By also performing contemporary songs in their own languages, Freshwater are continuing age old traditions in modern times.
Acknowledged as one of Australia's finest didgeridoo players, Mark Atkins is also recognised internationally for his collaborations with some of the world's leading composers and musicians.
Getano Bann is a gifted singer, song writer, story teller and registered music therapist of Torres Strait Islander ancestry who has over 25 years experience as a professional performer and entertainer.
Kerrianne Cox is a renowned Aboriginal performing artist whose music has helped bring her home country of Beagle Bay in the remote North West Kimberley into hearts and minds of people world over.
Dr Pamela Croft-Warcon is a Kooma woman from the Uralarai people of South West Queensland who creates her internationally exhibited art from her studio at Keppel Sands on the Capricorn Coast.
Veronica Lulu and Eileen Tax are two weavers from Warlayirti artists. Based at remote Balgo in Western Australia, the act of collecting grasses for weaving connects them to both their country and their creativity.
Joey Laifoo is a Torres Strait Islander painter and lino print artist whose works are inspired by his culture's respect for the sea. Joey was born and raised in the Torres Strait Islands.
Ariu Panipan Cultural Group is a Torres Strait Island based community group widely renowned for their traditional costumes, craftsmanship, dance choreography, creativity, and dynamic performances.
Lee Darroch is a Yorta Yorta woman whose art includes mediums as diverse as possum skin cloak-making, carpet design, pastel drawing, painting, basket weaving, textiles, large-scale public art installations and sculptures.
Bronwyn Razem is an artist best known for her traditional basket-weaving. A Gunditjmara woman born to the Kirrae Whurrong clan Bronwyn's contemporary urban Indigenous art incorporates a variety of mediums.
Taikurtinna dance group are proud and respected performers passing on the stories, knowledge and skills of their Kaurna people.
Maree Clarke is a Mutti Mutti, Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta woman who has been working to revive the Koori art of possum skin cloak-making. Her designs are influenced by the patterns of the landscape and the stories told by her ancestors.
William Kepa is a Torres Strait Islander drummer, bassist, guitarist, sound engineer and producer whose experience traverses a breadth of genres and stages.
Doonooch Dancers present traditional Aboriginal stories in contemporary contexts, featuring songs from the Monero people.
Writer and film producer Pauline Clague, from the Yaegl nation of Far North Coast of NSW has produced eight short films and various documentaries, while also helping to develop and mentor other filmmakers and their voices.