Australia's Newest Indigenous Festival Launches 2013 Program

Corroboree Sydney, Australia's newest annual, national Indigenous festival has launched the official program. The program for Corroboree Sydney, which takes place from 14 to 24 November, includes a range of free and ticketed events held around Sydney's Harbour foreshore, arts precinct and parks showcasing Indigenous literature, visual arts, performing arts, live music, films, crafts and design.

Nine of Sydney's premier institutions with strong Indigenous programs have contributed to the Corroboree Sydney program, including Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, State Library, Australian Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Opera House, Blackfella Films and Koori Radio 97.3FM.

Program highlights include a parade of 1,000 school children through Sydney's city streets in celebration of local Aboriginal culture, a special firelight ceremony and a range of activities taking place at Corroboree Central based at Walsh Bay's historic Pier 2/3 including the Corroboree Black Arts Market, Corroboree Cinema and Corroboree Studio.

"I must congratulate Hetti Perkins and members of the working group most warmly for presenting such a diverse and authentic Indigenous program that will be accessible to everyone and hopefully for many years to come," The NSW Governor, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir said.

Minister for Tourism George Souris said: "The NSW Government is proud to support Corroboree Sydney, an event of considerable importance to Indigenous communities both here in NSW and across Australia.

"Corroboree Sydney will showcase a diverse, vibrant program that will bring together activities, exhibitions and performances produced by some of our most significant Indigenous artists and institutions.

"Destination NSW estimates Corroboree Sydney will deliver approximately $21 million in direct economic impact over the next three years, with an expected 55,000 interstate, intrastate and international visitors to attend.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Victor Dominello, said: "This is an important event that will demonstrate and celebrate the diversity and strength of Indigenous art and culture to the people of Sydney, NSW and beyond.

"Art and culture is a crucial part of the social fabric of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia.

"This event will help provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their important and vibrant cultures with all Australians as well as visitors from overseas."

Corroboree Sydney's Creative Director, Hetti Perkins, said: "Corroboree Sydney was born from the shared desire of members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community working in Sydney's key cultural organisations to bring to the fore the rich cultural heritage of Sydney and NSW.

"Showcased in the context of Indigenous culture Australia-wide, this festival celebrates the ongoing significance of contemporary cultural expression in the heart of Sydney. We would like to thank the NSW Government for their continued support of Corroboree Sydney."

For more information on the Corroboree Sydney 2013 program please visit www.corroboreesydney.com.au