A NEW cultural event is set to launch in Broken Hill this Saturday with the inaugural Marnpi Festival celebrating art, family, and the enduring legacy of local Elders.
The festival features the opening of two new exhibitions by Barkindji artist Badger Bates with his grandson Baaka Bates, and Ngiyampaa artist Anthony Hayward.
Acclaimed Barkindji singer-songwriter Nancy Bates will perform during the festivities.
Everyone is welcome at this free event, with famous kangaroo rissoles, stew and damper by Wilyakali/Barkindji man Raymond O’Donnell and family.
Marnpi Festival will take place across three satellite venues at the intersection of Chapple and Oxide Streets: Slag Heap Projects, The Old Vic Studio Gallery, and Premier Automotive Tyres.
The event will highlight the depth of Aboriginal connection to Country through visual art, community gathering, and intergenerational participation.
Badger said the festival theme draws on the deep cultural and geographical resonance of the region.
“I decided on the theme ‘Marnpi Festival’ to celebrate the location of Broken Hill on the path of the Marnpi or Bronzewing Pigeon, which created much of the landscape that can be seen around Broken Hill,” he said.
“I wanted to use this exhibition opening festival to remember and honour those loved Wilyakali Elders and other Elders who are no longer with us but fought to protect the places of cultural significance around here for future generations.”
Marnpi Festival has been in the works for the last twelve months.
This is the first exhibition in Slag Heap Projects’ newly renovated space, and the first partnership exhibition in The Old Vic Studio Gallery.
With a road closure in place, the event attempts to activate the public space between the three venues, including a newly planted footpath garden in partnership with Landcare Broken Hill.
“My art in this exhibition reflects both Broken Hill where I have lived for over 40 years, and my connection to the Baaka where I was born and grew up, Barkandji country,” Badger explained.
In a gesture aimed at fostering healing and togetherness, Badger has also included work by his grandson, Baaka Bates.
“I have included my youngest grandson Baaka in the exhibition with me as I wanted to encourage parents and grandparents to take a break and spend time doing art with their children and grandchildren,” he said. “This is healing for everyone.”
Marnpi Festival will begin on Saturday, August 2, at 3pm, on the corner of Chapple and Oxide St. The event is free, family friendly, dry event, and all are welcome to attend.
