Major (Moogy) Sumner, Welcome Ceremony. Photo: Jenny Kwok, 2023.
ADELAIDE FRINGE CULTURAL LEARNING STRATEGY 2023-2024
INTRODUCTION The Adelaide Fringe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Strategy aims to promote and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Australia’s First Nations peoples. This strategy acknowledges and respects the sovereignty, history, and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By incorporating cultural learning initiatives, the Adelaide Fringe aims to foster greater understanding, appreciation, and engagement with Indigenous cultures among staff, volunteers and key stakeholders.
BACKGROUND Adelaide Fringe launched its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in 2022 and a key action within the RAP is to increase staff, volunteer and key stakeholder understandings and appreciation of the unique and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, languages and achievements.
As Australia’s biggest Arts festival, Adelaide Fringe has a unique platform to share the richness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to the world. Adelaide Fringe’s vision for Reconciliation is to play a role in advancing a unified, just and respectful nation through inclusive art practices and storytelling in all forms.
One of the deliverables for this action is to develop, implement and evaluate an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Strategy with consideration to blended learning and best practice. Cultural learning is a key component for working towards cultural competency at the Adelaide Fringe. Formulated by reviewing the needs of the organisation, community consultation, connecting with senior leaders and staff, the Cultural Learning Strategy now outlines activities for staff to better understand how to work towards building and strengthening organisational cultural competence. The activities provide non-Indigenous staff with opportunities to meaningfully engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and content to deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledge, histories, languages and achievements. Cultural capability is the understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, our shared history and the integration of knowledge to co-design standards, policies and practices in order to produce better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Building cultural capability is a process of continuous learning in three areas – being, knowing, doing. Major (Moogy) Sumner and Katrina ‘Karlapina’ Power, Welcome Ceremony. Photo: Jack Timberlake, 2023.
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Uncle Eddie Peters, Zenadth Kes Ilan Night. Photo: Jordan Gollan, 2023.
GOALS
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Recognition and Respect: Foster a deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contributions amongst Adelaide Fringe employees, festival participants, artists, and audiences. Cultural Exchange: Facilitate meaningful cultural exchange and engagement between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other festival participants. Collaboration and Participation: Encourage collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Adelaide Fringe employees, artists, performers and cultural practitioners, promoting diverse creative partnerships. Education and Awareness: Provide opportunities for educational experiences, discussions and learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, addressing misconceptions, stereotypes and biases. Legacy and Sustainability: Establish a lasting legacy by promoting ongoing relationships and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities beyond each festival.
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STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representation:
a. Ensure representation and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, performers, and cultural practitioners across all festival program components. b. Prioritise engagement with local Indigenous communities and Elders, acknowledging their traditional custodianship and seeking their guidance and input. c. Feature Indigenous voices in promotional materials, including the use of artwork, music and storytelling. d. Utilise the Innovate RAP External Working Group, First Nations Fringe consultants and key Fringe stakeholders to support, guide and consult on initiatives, events and projects.
Cultural Showcase:
a. Where possible, look to support the delivery of dedicated spaces, stage or cultural events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performances, exhibitions and workshops, allowing for direct engagement with cultural practices and traditions. b. Provide opportunities for Indigenous artists to share their stories, traditions and contemporary expressions through exhibitions, installations, and performances.
Workshops and Masterclasses:
a. Organise interactive workshops and masterclasses led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, where audiences, venues and artists can learn traditional and contemporary art forms, such as painting, dance, music, storytelling or weaving. b. Incorporate opportunities for audiences, venues and artists to engage in yarning circles, where they can learn and share cultural knowledge in a respectful and inclusive environment.
1. Knowledge Sharing and Dialogue:
a. Host panel discussions, forums or symposiums in the lead up to the festival, during, and post-festival featuring Indigenous artists, cultural leaders, and key stakeholders of Fringe to provide platforms for dialogue on topics such as cultural identity, colonisation, reconciliation, and artistic practices. b. Provide opportunities for audience Q&A sessions, allowing for direct engagement and the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Educational Resources:
a. Develop educational resources, including digital materials and guides, to inform and educate staff, festival participants and attendees about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and protocols. b. Collaborate with local Indigenous organisations, museums and galleries to curate and distribute resources that provide accurate and respectful information about Indigenous cultures.
2. Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP):
a. Continue to build upon the current Adelaide Fringe Innovate RAP, outlining long-term goals and commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
3. Evaluation and Reflection:
Regularly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Strategy through participant feedback, community consultations, and monitoring cultural indicators. Reflect on the outcomes and lessons learned to continually improve and refine the strategy for future festivals, fostering a sustainable and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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NAIDOC March. Photo: Annie Comelli, 2023.
OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVE 1 - LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY
All leaders are accountable for demonstrating and promoting cultural capability within Adelaide Fringe.
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Leadership (Board and Executive) Cultural Capability Awareness Session (facilitated in-person and online) developed and delivered.
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AIATSIS Core Capability Assessment Tool (Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Managers)
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Continue dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inclusion focus in leadership meetings.
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Continue to undertake co-design projects and/or collaborations with all departments where possible.
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Active participation and financial budgeting for the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and the associated strategies.
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Ensure discussions around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander data across all areas of the organisation, including but not limited to HR, Ticketing, Audience, Artists, Venues, Business Development
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Ensure all members of the leadership team complete Impact Training.
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OBJECTIVE 2 - VALUING CULTURE AND HISTORY
Recognising, respecting and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is fundamental to improving our workplace and festival.
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Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturally significant dates including reconciliation week and National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week within the organisations departments; build stakeholder relationships both internal and external to assist in building cultural capability.
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Establish a Cultural Learning Working Group - including Cultural Liaison Officers, to promote and coordinate activities and events to celebrate culturally significant dates across the departments.
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Ensure an online engagement and learning tool is brought into the organisation for all staff to complete – online tools can be the SBS Online Training Platform or the AIATSIS Assessment Tool/Training platform.
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Initiate a sunrise ceremony before the start of the Festival season for all Adelaide Fringe employees and key stakeholders to attend.
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Implement the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Framework.
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Ensure Acknowledgement of Country at all Fringe managed events.
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Develop protocols relating to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
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Acknowledgement of Country at all significant meetings is adopted.
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Ensure all employees are participating in Cultural Capability training.
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Investigate staff participation in Yarning Circles (virtual or in person).
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Ensure a Sleep on Country initiative is part of the Fringe internal events calendar at least every two years.
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Inspire and enable Adelaide Fringe participants (Artists and Venues) to pursue their own cultural education, which may involve engaging in Cultural Awareness training and reaching out to Traditional Owners for Welcome to Country ceremonies.
OBJECTIVE 3 - ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ENGAGEMENT AND STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS
Sustained, respectful and inclusive engagement is essential to gaining an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Develop a deeper relationship with Supply Nation.
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Initiate discussions with the First Nations Entrepreneurs Hub.
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Instill a quoting system within the organisation that includes at least one quote from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated business. 5
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Acknowledge, in relevant forums and meetings the land on which Adelaide Fringe managed events, forums etc. operate.
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Connect with key stakeholders in the Adelaide Fringe sphere to co-design strategies to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists to ensure artists are culturally safe, valued, respected and wellbeing and cultural identity is nurtured.
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Continue to develop and implement strategies to address barriers to engagement.
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Undertake an annual internal survey of Adelaide Fringe employees regarding awareness and consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and confidence in engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Participate in the Reconciliation Australia Biennial Workplace RAP Barometer to measure Adelaide Fringe employee attitudes and perceptions of reconciliation against the wider Australian community.
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Observing appropriate employment practices.
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Further enhance the Adelaide Fringe’s reviewing approach to improve its cultural inclusivity.
OBJECTIVE 4 - PRIORITISE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PERSPECTIVES
Culturally responsive internal and external systems and services embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the design, delivery and evaluation of policy, programs and services.
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Ensure Adelaide Fringe’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) engages service providers that are able to deliver culturally capable and trauma-informed EAP services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
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Review recruitment processes to assess and remove identified barriers to inclusion for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Review current Adelaide Fringe Policies and Procedures to ensure cultural safety and inclusion.
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Develop 2023-2024 Recruitment and Retention strategy.
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Ensure Adelaide Fringe Grant applications system for Artists and Venues is culturally safe and presents no barriers.
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Ensure the Adelaide Fringe AVR platform is culturally safe and presents no barriers.
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Support the Artists & Venues team to produce an Awards system that is non biased.
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Ensure that all audience facing Adelaide Fringe departments including the Call Centre, Box Office, Reception and Ticketing teams participate in Cultural Awareness training.
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CONCLUSION The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Strategy provides a framework for embedding cultural learning, respect, and appreciation within the Adelaide Fringe Festival. By prioritizing Indigenous representation, cultural exchange, education and collaboration, the festival aims to create an inclusive space that promotes reconciliation, celebrates diversity, and honours the living cultures of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Clara Cupcakes with Dusty Feet Mob, Desert Fringe. Photo: Kevin Godfry, 2018.
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