Aboriginal Reviewers Program

'How do we improve Aboriginal performance and art if our own people’s views and thoughts are not officially being heard? We need to decolonise the reviewing space with strong Aboriginal voices ready to critique and share our work.'
Ian Wilkes, Artist Associate, Perth Festival

About the Program

During 2020-21, Perth Festival, with Seesaw Magazine, began a pilot program developing reviewing skills with Aboriginal writers and artists. This included Michelle White, Zac James, Bruce Denny, Juanita Spedding, Barbara Hostalek, Trevor Ryan, Simone Detourbet and Kobi Morrison.

In 2022 we are running a new program for Aboriginal artists and writers, with mentoring by Michelle White. They will attend a series of visual and performance works and facilitated yarning sessions. Participants are Joshua Pether, Bobbi Henry and Narelle Thorn.

In addition, Perth Festival is hosting a Reflecting and Dreaming day in March 2022 that brings past participants and key stakeholders together to consider the future of this program.

2022 Participants

We're excited to welcome Daniel Hansen, Bobbi Henry, Ilona McGuire, Josh Pether & Narelle Thorne to the program!

Image from Bangarra Dance workshop in 2020. Photo by Cam Campbell.