Gary Lang Dance Project

Artback NT has been working closely with Gary Lang NT Dance Company to form a new relationship with Energy Resources Australia and provide workshops and performances in remote communities and festivals.

Indigenous Traditional Dance (ITD) Project


The purpose of the ITD project is to promote cultural maintenance and exchange in relation to traditional dance. These exchanges encourage art centres and dance groups to invite neighboring communities and language groups to come together to share their knowledge and understanding of traditional dance practices from their regions. The ITD project provides community cultural development support, facilitates and organises performance opportunities and provides links and information sharing between Indigenous traditional dance projects, communities and contemporary dance and theatre initiatives.

ITDP 2007-09 funding was through the Northern Territory Government Arts NT Building Strong Arts Business Program and in 2010/11 by the Aboriginal Benefit Account (FaHCSIA).

Since 2008, forums have been held in Iwantja (SA); Amata (SA); Papulankutja (WA); Ali Curung (NT); Alice Springs (NT); Warakurna (WA); Elliot (NT); Tennant Creek (NT; Epenarra (NT); Nturiya (NT).

The ITDP also supports traditional dance groups with professional development opportunities such as performing at national festivals and regonal events.

Since 2008, NT dance groups have travelled to Yarnbella Festival (SA), The Dreaming Festival and Mornington Island Festivals (QLD).

Artback NT works in partnership with many organisations to develop and deliver the ITDP in remote communities, including: Akeyulerre Inc, Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Barkly Regional Arts, Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre, Ku Arts and Desart.

Dance Forums for 2012 are currently being scheduled and will be confirmed in March.

2009 DanceSite Photos by Rusty Stewart