‘All In’ for Reconciliation Week at REKINDLE
Mount Barker District Council Arts Officer Sally Hardy said the event at Flaxley Woven will see people gather around the campfire and creatively express what reconciliation means to them through spoken word, stories, visual art and music.
“The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is ‘All In’ and that’s exactly what REKINDLE is – people from all cultural backgrounds, and from every walk of life, coming together in the spirit of reconciliation,” Sally said.
“Whether you want to perform or simply come along and hear other people share their voices, there’s a place by the campfire for everyone.”
REKINDLE will feature established singer-songwriters and spoken word artists along with open-mic opportunities for people wanting to speak or sing in support of reconciliation.
“For people keen to perform, we’ll be holding free poetry and songwriting workshops at Flaxley Woven and Mount Barker Community Centre in the lead up to REKINDLE so they can build their skills and confidence – or people can just turn up and join in on the night,” Sally said.
Reconciliation-themed artworks created by local school children will also be projected onto the Flaxley Woven building which used to be the local Uniting Church.
First Nations artist and Flaxley Woven committee leader Ros Cameron said REKINDLE holds ‘deep significance for Flaxley Woven’.
“Flaxley Woven’s vision is reconciliation through the arts – bringing together education, storytelling and truth-telling in ways that are respectful, inclusive and gentle,” Ros said.
“I’m proud to partner with Council to create a space where voices, stories and creativity come together under this year’s theme ‘All In’ and the community is invited to step forward with openness and courage.
“REKINDLE is not just an event – it’s a shared experience of learning, reflection and connection where every voice strengthens the path forward towards reconciliation together.”
REKINDLE is a National Reconciliation Week initiative conceived by Mount Barker District Council in collaboration with First Nations artist and Flaxley Woven committee leader Ros Cameron.
The program will feature performances by Ngarrindjeri/Gunditjmara singer-songwriter Katie Aspel, Adnyamathanha Hip Hop artist Isaiah Janiak, singer songwriter Tim Moore and award-winning spoken word artist Matthew Pankhurst.
The event will be held from 6pm - 10pm on Saturday 23 May and entry is free. Please RSVP here for catering purposes.
Bookings for the free poetry and songwriting workshops can be made at www.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/arts/events/rekindle/
Flaxley Woven is the cultural home for Aboriginal people in the Adelaide Hills and holds deep cultural and historical meaning for members of the Stolen Generations.
Flaxley Woven is located on Peramangk Country at 1909 Strathalbyn Road in Flaxley.
