Arts and Cultural Exchange partnership launches new regional festival in Bourke

Arts and Cultural Exchange are partnering with Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service to launch the inaugural MAYI Festival (28th May) in Bourke, NSW as part of a new community wellbeing and arts engagement program.

An artists residency initiative will conclude with a community-wide celebration in the form of the MAYI Festival which will offer an electrifying large-scale music festival headlined by some of Australia’s pre-eminent musicians - shining a spotlight on Bourke’s community and burgeoning creative scene.

The one-day arts, culture and music event will feature spiritual and cultural leaders from the 26 language groups from Bourke and surrounds, live performances from local and national bands, arts organisations, community services and local businesses.

Headlining performers include: Malyangapa Barkindji rapper and winner of FBi's 2020 SMAC Awards for the 'Next Big Thing' Barkaa; Gomeroi hip hop star Kobie Dee; and Minjungbal/Gudjinburra rapper and Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year JK-47.

The event will also feature local talent including: The Voice AU 2022 featured band Castlereagh Connection; local act Bell River Band; with more to be announced.

Anne Loxley, Executive Director, Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE) advises “this partnership between ACE and Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service is so exciting. The Bourke community is overflowing with creatives and artists and this collaboration is a chance for Parramatta and Bourke to connect in new and innovative ways.

“Cultural Leaders from the 26 language groups across Bourke and surrounds, local businesses, community health and wellbeing services, regional arts initiatives and a lineup of First Nations musicians, all coming together to focus on community, wellbeing and celebrating Far West NSW.”

“We look forward to an unforgettable celebration of the Bourke community, a spark for continued positive community engagement and artistic output and, most importantly, a call to Heal Country and community.”

The initiative is led by the Bourke community and will bring together Elders, cultural and spiritual leaders of the 26 First Nations language groups from the region, as well as local artists and community groups.

A partnership between Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) and ACE, the Festival brings together other service providers, organisations, community groups and critical individual community members to help rebuild safety and connection by spreading community awareness about key BACHS services.

Additionally, BACHS has partnered with the Deadly Blues/Maroons public health campaign to bring trailblazing campaign ambassadors and NRL players to the Festival to help improve community health outcomes through education.

MAYI Festival is a collaboration between Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service for Healing Country and Community and ACE. MAYI Festival is funded and supported by the Department of Health (cth) and the Biennale of Sydney to provide the Bourke Community with a day of harmony and promote BACHS services in health care – building trust & engagement. MAYI Festival Artist Residency is delivered in partnership with Arts & Cultural Exchange. The MAYI Festival Artist Residency is made possible by the support of the Crown Resorts Foundation and The Packer Family Foundation.

Further information available at ice.org.au/2022/04/mayi-festival-bourke-artist-residency/.

https://ice.org.au/2022/04/mayi-festival-bourke-artist-residency/