Broome’s Marrugeku announced as new entrant in National Performing Arts Partnership Framework

A Kimberley Aboriginal arts organisation dedicated to bringing together Australians from all walks of life to develop new dance languages has been recognised as a new entrant in the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework. Broome-based Marrugeku has had significant reach both nationally and internationally for its approach to contemporary dance, and will be one of eight new arts organisations invited to the body. The move means greater funding stability for the company, with its previous funding agreement doubled in length to eight years. Working from its twin bases in the Kimberley town of Broome and the urban centre of Carriageworks in Sydney, Marrugeku is dedicated to breaking down walls between urban and remote dance communities, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and between local and global themes. Marrugeku chairwoman Debra Pigram said the company’s invitation to the NPAPF was a proud moment. “Marrugeku has developed an extraordinary repertoire of intercultural, trans-Indigenous work that is carving its touring network globally, from Indigenous communities in the Kimberley to capital cities and around the world,” she said. “Joining the NPAPF continues this trajectory to be a major participant in the Australia, indeed the global, cultural network landscape. “Marrugeku is honoured to be joining such distinguished company.” Marrugeku joins four other WA-based companies within the NPAPF group: The West Australian Ballet, West Australian Opera, Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, and Black Swan State Theatre Company. The NPAPF replaces the former Major Performing Arts Framework (MPA) and is the culmination of public consultation that began in 2018. It recognised that new companies needed to be invited into a national body to more clearly represent the breadth and depth of artistic knowledge and creativity across Australia. Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman said he was proud to see another WA company recognised on the national stage. “Led by Dalisa Pigram and Rachael Swain, Marrugeku’s incredible work has had a significant contribution to the performing arts landscape,” he said. “Including Marrugeku in the NPAP framework will ensure even more audiences are introduced to the experience of intercultural performances.”