2024 Adelaide Fringe Reconciliation Action Plan

ADELAIDE FRINGE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

Adelaide Fringe recognises and pays our respects to the First Nations peoples across this country, whose lands were never ceded and remain important to the living First Nations peoples today. In particular we would like to acknowledge Kaurna Miyurna First Nations Peoples and their ancestral lands on which our festival and office is located. We respect the living cultures, spirit, and country of the First Peoples. We acknowledge and embrace the significance and diversity of First Nations People’s contributions in our Fringe and in the greater arts community.

Cover Artwork: Page 3: Page 4: Page 6: Page 7: Page 9: Page 14: Page 18: Page 21: Page 24:

CONTENTS

‘Star Dreaming’

by Gavin Wanganeen

Foreword

Our RAP Working Group and Champions

Our RAP Our Reconciliation Journey so far Relationships

Respect

Opportunities

Governance

About the Artists

*All registered events and participants in Adelaide Fringe agree to allow their images to be used in various formats by Adelaide Fringe at the time of registration. All images within this RAP feature artists and events that have participated in past Adelaide Fringes.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Adelaide Fringe acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Nations peoples of Australia.

FOREWORD

The past two years have been pivotal for Adelaide Fringe in the ongoing journey of reconciliation as the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan was developed. We have, and continue to be committed to creating space to listen, unlearn and relearn true Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories; to hear Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices; and to pay respects to, celebrate, and champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions.

Adelaide Fringe has been filled with enthusiasm and pride having obtained an endorsed Innovate level Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from Reconciliation Australia. We are thrilled to present the advancements and insights from the RAP and introduce this document as a reflection of our dedication to sharing progress and knowledge within the wider community.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan is built on four fundamental pillars: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance. In each of these areas, we have experienced growth and development across all operations at Adelaide Fringe. The gaining of knowledge in the First Nations space has been an enriching and empowering experience for us all.

At Adelaide Fringe, we see reconciliation as a fundamental responsibility and are committed to advancing reconciliation with First Nations peoples. We look forward to continuing to work with Reconciliation Australia and First Nations peoples on the next step in our Reconciliation journey.

OUR RAP WORKING GROUP

•ElizabethClose, Ananguwomanand Arti s t

•DearnaNewchurch, Narungga&Kaurna wom a ,n P r o recud

•Amanda Hillgrove , TicketingM anager

•AprilWanganeen, Nukunu , Narunggaand gN a r r jdnignitekciTdnanamowire

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•Pippa Wanganeen , Influencer and A d v o etac

•OdettePearson, KukuYalanji/TorresS trai t I sl a n d e r w namo draoBegnirFedialedA WPARdnarebmeMkro i n g G r o u p C oc hair

•GavinWanganeen, Kokathaman , Artist a n d remroF rellabtooF

•EstherWilliams, NarunggaandRami

•TanyaHosch, TorresStraitIslander woman a n d evitucexE reganaMlareneG icoS&noisulcnIPlalo i c FAy L

•EllaHuisman, HeadofMarketing , Ticketi n g a n d Dgi ati l

•JoO’Callaghan, HeadofProgramO perat i o sn

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•HeatherCroall,Director andChiefExecutive & R A P

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• HaydynBromley,Adnyamathanha , Narungga a n d raYyulrotceriDdnanamidna - tsuAeebakooBlar i a

• UncleMoogySumner, NgarrindjeriElder & A r t i s t

•TaraMacLeod , HeadofOperations

• NancyBates,Barkindji woman , Reconciliation and

OUR RAP CHAMPIONS

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•CourtneySumner-Kimlin , Operati

•ElaineCrombie,Pitjanjtajtarra, Warrigmal ,South

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•Nicole Gollan, Ngarrindjeriwoman

•ChloeMcIntyre, Narunggawoman and A

•LaurenFinch,ExecutiveAssistanttoth

•Nathan May, Arabana , Yawuruand

•Jessica Wishart, Bidjarawoman ,

•Tammy Franks, MLC

•RubyWilson,Ngarrindjeriwoman , Th

lanigirobA noitacudE etarotceriD

OUR RAP

Adelaide Fringe is developing a RAP to provide a framework for the organisation to support national reconciliation and achieve a strategic document that sets out practical plans of action on how we as an organisation will contribute to reconciliation in our community. Our RAP Working Group oversees the RAP development, and implementation both in and outside of our organisation.

This RAP will enable us to make further progress towards reconciliation and strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our work brings people, thoughts and the collective community together. Adelaide Fringe is committed to creating and nurturing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, artists and audiences that are meaningful and enduring.

Adelaide Fringe’s 2021-2023 RAP will: Facilitate the development and guide us in maintaining strong and mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.

Ensure we continue to build on our guiding principles of support, understanding and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all organisational activities.

Key Achievements thus far include:

The development and implementation of a formal Reconciliation Policy.

Instigation of the formation of the South Australian Indigenous Employment Cluster in Arts and Culture – a group of employers in the creative industries committed to increasing Indigenous participation and employment.

Creation of First Nations Collaboration Grants to reduce barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in Adelaide Fringe, supported by the State Government of South Australia.

Commitment to Adelaide Fringe Staff Cultural Awareness Training and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learnings including Walk on Country and Tindo Yolurendee, Sunrise Ceremony.

Adelaide Fringe held four workshops in the creation of the RAP, two for the internal working groups including staff, volunteers and advisory committee, and two external workshops inviting members of the community and key stakeholders, including artists, venues, partners and industry to participate.

Supporting increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities through dedicated work placements and on the job training opportunities.

Establishing a RAP Working Group with both internal and external members ensuring majority participation is with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, to guide decision-making and ensure a culturally appropriate approach to our RAP development.

Our RAP Working Group is made up of 20 people both internal and external to Adelaide Fringe. Of this group, 11 members are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and 11 members are Adelaide Fringe employees.

Our RAP Champions are people proudly supporting our RAP external to Adelaide Fringe and internally our RAP will be championed by our Head of Operations and our Reconciliation and Diversity Manager.

Welcome Ceremony, Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Photo: Jack Timberlake, 2023

OUR RECONCILIATION JOURNEY SO

1960’s – Performances by Ernabella and Arunda (Arrernte) artists feature in the Fringe program.

1970’s – Music and visual art programs from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists feature in the Fringe program for the first time.

1980 – The first Aboriginal Community Ceremony is held in Elder park to officially open Fringe.

1985 – Fringe facilitates the first Aboriginal Women’s arts festival.

1988 – Focus on Aboriginal Australia performance nights are presented in the Fringe theatre program.

1990 – Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Tandanya, present their first play in Fringe and Lion Arts Centre program including a number of other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events.

1992 – Sees an Aboriginal and Islander music festival at Port Adelaide as part of the Fringe program.

1998 – Major Moogy Sumner leads the Opening Night Street Party in Rundle Street.

2000 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Fringe launch is held in Rymill Park.

2004 – Australian and Torres Strait Islander Arts Program is curated by Troy-Anthony Baylis in Ngapartji, Tandanya and Fringe Hub.

2006 – Australian and Torres Strait Islander Arts Program including an exhibition from Aboriginal inmates in prison features in the Fringe program.

2007 – The Inaugural Desert Fringe is held in Port Septembera.

2010 - Karl ‘Winda’ Telfer is appointed as Cultural Producer at Adelaide Fringe.

2010 – Karl ‘Winda’ Telfer and Adelaide Fringe staff participate in first Tindo Yolurendee, Sunrise Ceremony, a special ceremony to acknowledge the Kaurna Nation in the lead up to opening night of Adelaide Fringe.

2010 – Adelaide Fringe facilitates its first Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander staff placement in collaboration with Arts SA.

Sunrise Ceremony.

Photo: Paul Haese

Zenadth Kes Ilan Night, Living Kaurna Culturavl Centre.

Photo: Jordan Gollan, 2023

Adelaide Fringe Opening Ceremony, Elder Park 1980

Welcome Ceremony, Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Photo: Jack Timberlake, 2023

OUR RECONCILIATION JOURNEY SO FAR

2014 - Tindo Yolurendee, Sunrise Ceremony becomes a free registered Fringe event for the general public to attend.

“Kaurna Ceremony – A special ceremony, held exactly seven days before the Fringe opens, to acknowledge the Kaurna nation, the custodians of the lands we gather on in Adelaide/Tarnadanya”.

October 2015 - Adelaide Fringe staff Walk on Country with Karl ‘Winda’ Telfer, learning about the Kaurna Nation along the Adelaide coastline.

2016 - Adelaide Fringe presents Tindo Utpurndee, Sunset Ceremony as the official opening Fringe event for the 2016 festival.

2017 – 25% of all Adelaide Fringe Artist Grants are presented to Aboriginal artists and events.

2018 - Adelaide Fringe Board formalises the Reconciliation Policy.

2018 - Adelaide Fringe increases the number of Artist Grants awarded to Aboriginal Artists to 28%.

2018 - Adelaide Fringe Staff attend Cultural Awareness Training with Jack Buckskin.

2019 – Adelaide Fringe creates First Nations Collaboration Grants to reduce barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in Adelaide Fringe, supported by the State Government of South Australia. $100,000 is awarded in grants to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

2019 - Odette Pearson is appointed as the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member on the Adelaide Fringe Board.

2019 - Adelaide Fringe creates “Yabarra, Gathering of Light”, an immersive light and projection event in collaboration with Yellaka and others, sharing stories of Kaurna country on the banks of Tarndaparri (River Torrens)the event attracted over 100,000 people.

2020 - “Yabarra: Dreaming in Light” is presented and produced by Adelaide Fringe in collaboration with Yellaka and others in Tandanya for the month of Fringe.

2020 – Adelaide Fringe with support of The State Government awards $100,000 in grants to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

2020 – Adelaide Fringe commences our Reconciliation Action Plan Journey.

Sunrise Ceremony. Photo: Paul Haese

Mali Isabel. Photo: Fumika Takagi, 2022

Electric Skies. Photo: KWPX, 2023

Sleep on Country. Photo: Bella Caruso

RELATIONSHIPS

Our work brings people, thoughts and the collective community together.

Adelaide Fringe is committed to creating and nurturing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, artists and audiences that are meaningful and enduring. Relationships that give and take from each other to advance a unified and shared positive future between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do and guides our decision making, we will continue to champion the needs of our stakeholders in order to support them.

Electric Skies, Gluttony.

Photo:Helen Page, 2023

RELATIONSHIPS

Action Deliverable

1. Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.

a. Formalise existing engagement opportunities with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations and develop guiding principles for future ongoing engagement.

Achievements and Progress

• Adelaide Fringe contracted multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists during Welcome Ceremony event in 2022 and 2023

• Adelaide Fringe contracted Kuma Kaaru and Ngangki Warra to produce Welcome to Countries recordings resources in 2022

• Adelaide Fringe contracted Living Kaurna Cultural Centre as a venue for Adelaide Fringe HQ staff during 2022 planning days

• Ongoing engagements with Deaf Aboriginal and Deadly Deaf Hands

• Formalised contracts with Deadly Management to develop Adelaide Fringe diversity and inclusion space

• Formalised contracts with Tjindu and KSJ as Adelaide Fringe RAP consultants

2. Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

b. Develop and implement an engagement plan to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations that enables greater opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in the planning, development and implementation of all Fringe activities.

c. Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, producers or cultural advocates to participate in the open access environment of Fringe, ensuring a minimum of 4% program participation. (previously averaged 6-7% annually)

a. Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff, board and volunteers and promote NRW externally through Fringe communication platforms.

• Adelaide Fringe Executive Director - Programs and Development constructed an engagement plan which is followed

• Adelaide Fringe achieved 8% and 6.3% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program participation in 2022 and 2023 (The slight decline was attributed to the absence of dedicated funding for the First Nations which is currently being reevaluated.)

• Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources were communicated and made available to all staff through Adelaide Fringe communication platforms and direct emails

• Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources were shared with Fringe Board and all stakeholders including Adelaide Fringe volunteers and members

• Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources were posted publicly through Adelaide Fringe’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

• Adelaide Fringe staff and RAP committee members attended Reconciliation SA Gala Dinner in October 2022

b. RAP Working Group members to participate in an external NRW event, sharing their experience and participation with the organisation and the Board.

c. Encourage and support staff and senior leaders to participate in at least one external event to recognise and celebrate NRW sharing their experience and participation with the organisation and the Board.

• RAP Working Group attended and participated actively at NRW breakfast event held in 2022 and 2023

• Adelaide Fringe held a fund raising Morning Tea at Adelaide Fringe HQ in 2022

• Adelaide Fringe organised and registered a cultural awareness session conducted by the Tjindu Foundation with Mali Isabel faciliating an art workshop in 2022

• Adelaide Fringe organised and registered a private screening of Sweet As (film written and directed by an Indigenous Australian woman) for staff and stakeholders in 2023

RELATIONSHIPS

d. Organise at least one NRW event each year and promote this activity externally and internally through Fringe communication platforms.

e. Register all our NRW events on Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website.

• Adelaide Fringe held a fund raising Morning Tea at Adelaide Fringe HQ in 2022

• Adelaide Fringe organised and registered a cultural awareness session conducted by the Tjindu Foundation with Mali Isabel faciliating an art workshop in 2022

• Adelaide Fringe organised and registered a private screening of Sweet As (film written and directed by an Indigenous Australian woman) for staff and stakeholders in 2023

f. Review [HR] policies to ensure no barriers to staff participating in NRW events.

Action Deliverable

3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.

a. Grow our collaboration other Arts Organisations Australia wide who are on their RAP journey, and other like-minded organisations and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners to develop ways to advance reconciliation within the performing arts sector.

b. Communicate our commitment to reconciliation publically, through a formal launch, Fringe communication platforms and an appropriate external public facing communications (i.e., Fringe program).

c. Explore opportunities to positively influence our external stakeholders to drive reconciliation outcomes, extending to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, the wider South Australian community, interstate and international stakeholders.

• Adelaide Fringe HR policies were reviewed, completed and shared with staff

Achievements and Progress

• Adelaide Fringe Head of Operations and Culture and Inclusion Manager attended the National Reconciliation Action Plan Conference in 2022 to network with like-minded businesses and grow their knowledge in the RAP space

• Adelaide Fringe RAP was launched through social media channels accompanied with an event held in Tarntanyangga

• Adelaide Fringe RAP booklet was released in 2022, containing Fringe committments, achievements and learnings over the 12 months duration

• A UN Global Goals Action Plan was published on Adelaide Fringe website as a way to positively influence external stakeholders and encourage action

• Emphasis on Adelaide Fringe RAP were mentioned in all external partnership proposals for local, interstate and global organisations

• Partners were strongly encouraged to undertake the same cultural training Adelaide Fringe had with Tjindu, with Adelaide Fringe bridging all interested parties

RELATIONSHIPS

d. Continue to create opportunities to build positive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, producers and venues.

• A list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers were provided to event participants

• Adelaide Fringe event participants were provided with pre-recorded Acknowledgement of Country resources

• Cultural awareness and reconciliation efforts such as traditional place names resources were made available to participants

• All First Nations events were identified with a specific icon in the Official Fringe Guide

• A dedicated First Nations Collaboration Grant stream was implemented in 2022 and 2023, and will continue in 2024 to increase First Nations participation and reduce barriers

• Adelaide Fringe Artist & Venue and Honey Pot teams were based at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute for FringeWORKS in 2023, enhancing Tandanya’s profile

• Adelaide Fringe presented the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award and continues to expand collaborations within the arts industry

• Ongoing Arts Industry Collaboration Program with efforts including supporting the Tipu pilot project for young people in AFSS Residential Care and collaborating with Lewis Major Productions for dance productions in 2023

e. Activate opportunities to facilitate beneficial partnerships between Fringe circle of influence (staff, sponsors, donors, artists, partners, venues and Board) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fringe participants.

• Adelaide Fringe was involved with the creation of Sky Song (First Nations storytelling with drone technology) and Electric Skies (featuring First Nations language and traditional songs) along with Gluttony and event participants

• Adelaide Fringe maintained ongoing partnership with AFL SportsReady to onboard one trainee each year, and increased its committment to two trainees in 2023

f. Implement strategies and ensure policy reflects our commitment to educate and engage Adelaide Fringe staff in Reconciliation

• Every two years Adelaide Fringe staff attend Sleep on Country, a 2 day cultural learning session with an elder in the community

• Here at Adelaide Fringe HQ internal meetings are held to ensure each team is engaged in the RAP and reconciliation more broadly. Posters hang around our offices letting everyone know that all cultures, identities and sexualities are welcome here at Fringe HQ

RELATIONSHIPS

4. Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.

a. Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing antidiscrimination provisions, and future needs.

b. Update Fringe’s Equity Policy to include specific component for antidiscrimination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and implement and communicate the updated policy across our organisation.

c. Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors to consult on the development of our Anti-Discrimination Policy and for guidance on updating our Equity Policy.

d. Educate senior leaders and board members on the effects of racism by offering a specifically designed and delivered in-house anti-racism training built with the support of humanrights.gov.au teaching materials and signing up to the Racism Stops with Me Campaign.

Action Deliverable

5. Recognise the diversity of First Nation South Australian community

a. Ensuring engagement of Elders, facilitators, artists and consultants for events and ceremonial purposes that are representative of all First Nation diversity across South Australia. Review annually.

b. Ensure that all staff are aware of and engage with appropriate Traditional Owner groups across South Australia.

• HR policies were reviewed with an audit being initiated and conducted by KSJ

• The analysis combed through Adelaide Fringe’s strategic plans, workforce plans, policies, intranet, and various identified materials

• Adelaide Fringe has submitted all policies to KSJ for review and evaluation and updated the Equal Opportunity Policy

• Cultural Awareness training with Tjindu was initiated for the Adelaide Fringe board, staff and leadership team

• KSJ Consulting have proposed to facilitate a group workshop with all Aboriginal Adelaide Fringe full-time staff

• KSJ Consulting will follow-up with a report for Adelaide Fringe board and leadership team

Achievements and Progress

• Adelaide Fringe contracted multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists during Welcome Ceremony event in 2022 and 2023

• Reports on the diverse range of nation groups represented in the festival were communicated to staff yearly

• There were 13 and 11 nation groups participation in 2022 and 2023 respectively

RESPECT

Respect is the foundation for positive relationships and successful partnerships. As the largest open access arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Adelaide Fringe embraces our responsibility as leaders in building and growing respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who we work and connect with. We are committed to an ongoing and genuine desire to learn, grow and value First Nations peoples, wisdom, cultures and customs.

Dupang Festival in Adelaide Fringe 2018.

Photo: Trentino Priori

RESPECT

Action Deliverable

6. Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning.

a. Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation, including responses from the staff survey, and identify opportunities to support Fringe stakeholders on their cultural learning journey.

Achievements and Progress

• A thorough review of cultural learning was initiated and training needs were identified for both Adelaide Fringe full-year staff and seasonal employees

7. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols.

b. Consult local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors on the development and implementation of a Cultural Learning Strategy.

c. Develop, implement and communicate a Cultural Learning Strategy for our staff, board and volunteers.

• Adelaide Fringe Cultural Learning Strategy has been presented to Tjindu and is currently in the stage of being formalised for staff, board and volunteers

d. Provide opportunities for RAP Working Group members, HR managers and other key leadership staff to participate in formal and structured cultural learning.

a. Continually develop staff, board and volunteer’s understanding of the purpose and significance behind cultural protocols, including Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols.

b. Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document, including protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country and resources that:

• Empower staff with the confidence to do their own Acknowledgement of Country and

• Guide staff on how to engage Traditional Owners to perform a Welcome to Country

c. Ensure existing protocols that extend an invitation to a local Traditional Owner or Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country or other appropriate cultural protocol at significant events each year are upheld and actioned.

d. Ensure existing protocols to include an Acknowledgement of Country or other appropriate protocols at the commencement of important meetings are upheld and actioned.

• Cultural Awareness training sessions for staff with Tjindu will be conducted yearly

• Adelaide Fringe aims to have 5% of non-indigenous staff completion on Aboriginal Language training in 2024

• Welcome/ Acknowledgment of country is performed at Adelaide Fringe produced event, collaborating with community on the appropriate protocol for each event

• Adelaide Fringe have implemented and communicated Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country guidelines and protocols for staff

• Adelaide Fringe have provided Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country guidelines and protocols for participants

• Adelaide Fringe places priority to arrange a Welcome to Country whenever possible, and if not , to ensure an Acknowledgment of Country is included

• Adelaide Fringe have incorporated Acknowledgment of Country into both board meetings and foundation meetings as a meaningful gesture of respect

RESPECT

Action Deliverable

8. Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.

a. RAP Working Group members to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event, sharing their experience and participation with the organisation and the Board.

b. Review HR policies and procedures to remove barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week.

Achievements and Progress

• Adelaide Fringe staff, board and RAP working group attended the NAIDOC Ball and NAIDOC Family Fun Day in 2022

• In 2023, Adelaide Fringe held a NAIDOC stall at SA NAIDOC Family Fun Day, attended by RAP working group members

• A review of the HR policies was completed and staff were empowered and encouraged to attend NAIDOC Week events

• All events are communicated to staff and board members throughout NAIDOC Week to ensure comprehensive engagement and participation

c. Encourage and support all staff to participate in NAIDOC activities (such as the SA NAIDOC March) during work hours, sharing their experience and participation with the organisation and the Board.

d. Circulate NAIDOC resources and materials to our staff and board, to support learning, understanding and engagement in NAIDOC week and promote externally through Adelaide Fringe communication platforms.

e. Develop opportunities to acknowledge Fringe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, producers, consultants and venues during a NAIDOC Week.

• Social media posts on Instagram and Facebook were shared during NAIDOC Week

• In 2023, our social media presence expanded to include Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter starting from July 3rd for NAIDOC Week.

• Adelaide Fringe reached over 200,000 subscribers through email communications about NAIDOC Week sent to various Adelaide Fringe stakeholder groups

RESPECT

9. Create culturally safe work spaces and venues.

a. Continue to provide guidance and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, producers and venues during Fringe (including Tandanya).

In 2022

• 35 out 145 total grants allocated goes towards Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists

• 28 out of 35 grants were First Nations Collaboration grants, which accounted for $205,050.00

• 2 of the 25 Artist Fund Grant recipients identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

• 4 of the Audience Access grants went to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants and 1 of the Out of Round grant recipients identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

In 2023

• Featured Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Creatives - 32 Events: $153,853.00 (21.5%)

• Identified as a First Nations Event - 12 Identified: $62,500.00 (8.70%)

• 12 Adelaide Fringe events, which elected to be acknowledged as First Nations, received Artist Fund grants in 2023. A further 20 events featured Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander creatives

• 21.5% of the total grant spend of $713,152.00 was allocated to events which included Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander creatives.

• 8.70% ($62,500.00) of the total grants went to 12 events that choose to be acknowledged as First Nations, while 12.8% ($91,353.00) of the total grant spend went to 20 events that featured Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander creatives, but choose not to be acknowledged as First Nations events

b. Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and consultants/ advisors to implement strategies/initiatives that create a culturally supportive and safe work environment with the Fringe and within the Fringe event schedule.

• Adelaide Fringe participated in a Sleep on Country cultural awareness event with Uncle Moogy in May 2022

• Adelaide Fringe worked with KSJ to provide a workshop for our First Nations staff, this workshop gave them a chance to talk about their experience working at Fringe and what we can do better to support them

• Adelaide Fringe collaborated with Support Act to provide First Nations artists with counseling sessions during the festival

OPPORTUNITIES

Adelaide Fringe strives to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to perform within our festival so that their stories can be told to our audiences and also to provide opportunities for career development within the arts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We also acknowledge that we must work harder to increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our festival as we have a responsibility to create access to our platform so that we can share in and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories. The stories that are shared on Adelaide Fringe stages enrich the lives of people from all walks of life.

This RAP aims to leverage existing relationships with organisations that can assist us to create pathways for employment within Adelaide Fringe and also aims to further grow our relationships with new providers and organisations that can assist us in creating these opportunities.

We acknowledge that we have further work to do in creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across the arts industry in South Australia. We will endeavour to work with a broader cross section of arts organisations within the state and to strengthen connections with organisations Australia wide to reduce barriers for participation in our industry.

Dusty Feet Mob with Clara Cupcakes, Desert Fringe. Photo: Kevin Godfrey

OPPORTUNITIES

Action Deliverable Achievements and Progress

10. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development.

a. Build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing profile, staffing needs and aspirations to inform future employment and professional development opportunities.

• Adelaide Fringe conducts a Diversity & Inclusion survey for staff annually

11. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.

b. Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and advisors to consult on our recruitment, retention and professional development strategy.

• Adelaide Fringe maintains an ongoing partnership with AFL SportsReady, offering traineeship opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

• KSJ conducted a cultural capability desktop analysis audit that involves analysis of key documentation from Adelaide Fringe, including their strategic plans, workforce plans, policies, intranet, and various identified material to improve cultural capability

c. Develop and implement a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development strategy.

d. Review how we advertise job vacancies to ensure they are effectively reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, including language to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasising training on the job.

e. Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to remove barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our workplace.

f. Increase the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed in our workforce.

a. Develop and implement a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement strategy, including a stronger connection to Aboriginal Business Connect.

b. Investigate Supply Nation membership.

c. Develop and communicate opportunities for procurement of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to our staff and board.

d. Review and update procurement practices to remove barriers to procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses during Fringe peak and non-peak periods.

e. Develop commercial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, producers and venues.

• Adelaide Fringe created a strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention, and professional development, which is currently being implemented

• Adelaide Fringe follows a comprehensive review of job vacancy advertisements, and have taken the initiative to include a line explicitly encouraging applicants from ATSI candidates

• Adelaide Fringe has allocated a budget to advertise through the IndigCareers Jobs Board

• KSJ conducted a cultural capability desktop analysis audit that involves analysis of key documentation from Adelaide Fringe, including their strategic plans, workforce plans, policies, intranet, and various identified material to improve cultural capability

• Adelaide Fringe has made significant progress in increasing the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff with three full-time employees and two trainees representing these communities

• Adelaide Fringe will be introducing a procurement strategy that requires obtaining quotes from three businesses when seeking new services and one of the quotes must be from a First Nations business

• Adelaide Fringe has partnered with Supply Nation, providing every Adelaide Fringe staff member with the ability to log onto the platform and procure goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

• Adelaide Fringe’s Diversity and Inclusion team attended The Circle’s First Nations Business Showcase on the 27th of Oct 2022

• Adelaide Fringe has partnered with Supply Nation to reduce barriers to procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

• Adelaide Fringe has established a catering relationship with Something Wild

• Adelaide Fringe has established an AUSLAN interpretation relationship with Deaf Mob

• Adelaide Fringe is committed to ongoing Cultural Learnings relationships with Uncle Moogy and the Tjindu Foundation

OPPORTUNITIES

12. Offer support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, performers and producers to increase participation in Fringe.

a. Build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, performers and producers to inform future engagement and professional development opportunities.

Participant Tracking

Adelaide Fringe Artist & Venue team have made ongoing efforts to track participant diversity as part of their post-festival reporting. This includes tracking the levels of First Nations participation in the festival, to ensure we are outcomes of our outreach, grant and collaboration efforts. Participant surveys are being evaluated each year.

Focus Groups

Adelaid Fringe Artist & Venue team will be undertaking increasing consultations with festival participants in the lead up to, during and after the 2024 festival though targeted focus groups and micro-surveys. The focus groups will aim to include as many First Nations participants as possible, to increase our awareness of how we can better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and build levels of engagement.

b. Attend Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performances and festivals to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, performers and producers and promote opportunities.

• Adelaide Fringe staff attended Partgina Festival in central Australia in 2021

• Adelaide Fringe staff attended Reconciliation in the Park featuring Baker Boy for Reconciliation Week 2022

• Executive Director - Programs & Development have planned a trip to Darwin to work with their emerging artists engagement piece, and heading to Yirramboi in Melbourne in May 2024

• Adelaide Fringe producer attended a play in Sydney, Whitefella Yella Tree and attended the 2022 NIMAs

• Adelaide Fringe staff actively participated in numerous First Nations events during the Fringe festival

c. Explore a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural exchange at Fringe.

d. Further develop relationships with Taoundi College, AFL Sports Ready, The Workabout Centre, Aboriginal Education Directorate, schools and other organisations to support young, up and coming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists, and producers.

e. Build and expand on regional experiences through Fringe On Tour to strengthen relationships, activation and accessibility of mainstream Fringe to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Adelaide Fringe is working on a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural exchange at Fringe

• New relationship has been forged with the Tjindu Foundation in 2022

• Ongoing relationship with AFL Sportsready through whom we are advertising for another trainee role,

• Existing relationship with Kaurna Living Cultural Centre where we are holding the 2022 all staff planning days

• Adelaide Fringe has employed various methods to enhance the growth of regional engagements via Fringe Across the State, aiming to fortify connections, engagement, and accessibility of mainstream Fringe events to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This encompasses amplifying involvement from regional venues, extending grants to numerous First Nations artists for presenting their work in both regional SA and Adelaide, and highlighting regional shows through the Fringe Across the State initiative. This approach also involves providing support to regional artists through our grants program

GOVERNANCE

Adelaide Fringe is committed to actively supporting reconciliation. Throughout the development of this RAP, a number of actions and deliverables were workshopped by our organisation in collaboration with our RAP Working Group. The level of engagement and support for our Innovate RAP is evident in the membership of our first RAP Working Group and together, we make it our purpose to support the implementation of our RAP to champion our vision for reconciliation to the wider community.

NAIDOC March. Photo: Anastasia Comelli, 2023

GOVERNANCE

Action Deliverable

13. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working group (RAP Working Group) to drive governance of the RAP.

a. Formally confirm all RAP Working Group members and ensure quarterly meetings are communicated in advance, including an agenda emailed one week prior and meeting minutes are circulated one week after to all RAP Working Group Members.

b. Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the RAP Working Group, including:

• One Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal co-chair

• At least one Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist/venue operator

c. Review the Terms of Reference for the RAP Working Group.

d. Meet at least four times per year to drive and monitor RAP implementation.

Achievements and Progress

• Adelaide Fringe officially confirmed all RAP Working Group members and ensured advance communication of quarterly meetings, providing agendas one week prior and circulating meeting minutes one week after to all RAP working group members

• Adelaide Fringe has a co-chairship with one Aboriginal and one non-Aboriginal cochair, namely Heather Croall and Odette Pearson

• The artists representing on our RAP are Elizabeth Close, Moogy Sumner, and Nancy Bates

• The Terms of Reference for the RAP Working Group was created and reviewed in 2022

• Adelaide Fringe conducts four external RAP Working Group meetings annually to monitor the implementation progress

• Adelaide Fringe maintains an internal working group that meets monthly to foster the growth and development of our RAP

14. Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.

a. Define resource needs for RAP implementation.

• Adelaide Fringe allocated and budgeted $25,000 for 2023 FY

b. Engage our senior leaders and other staff in the delivery of RAP commitments, including board report updates and regular staffing updates.

c. Define and maintain appropriate systems to track, measure and report on RAP commitments including in organisational KPI document.

d. Maintain appointment of internal RAP Champion from senior management.

• Adelaide Fringe internal working group comprising of senior leaders were held monthly

• RAP is a standing agenda item for at least four board meetings per year

• Adelaide Fringe monitors the RAP progress through a tracking spreadsheet and on internal communication platform and ensured its inclusion in staff KPI

• Adelaide Fringe upholds a monthly internal working group, comprising of our senior leaders, to nurture the growth and progress of our RAP

15. Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally.

a. Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia.

• Completion and submission of the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia in 2022 and 2023

b. Publically report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings, annually.

c. Investigate participating in Reconciliation Australia’s biennial Workplace RAP Barometer.

• Reports on RAP Wrap Up which includes our achievements, learnings and challenges were shared on Adelaide Fringe website

• Consideration of Workplace RAP Baromete (WRB) were in place for 23-24 FY

GOVERNANCE

16. Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP. a. Register via Reconciliation Australia’s website to begin developing our next RAP.

• Adelaide Fringe met with Reconciliation SA and decision has been made to stay at the Innovate RAP for the 2024 which will allow the organisation to delve more deeply into the actions within it, giving the opportunity to reach beyond some of the deliverables and targets

• Adelaide Fringe understands that the Voice to Parliament is a focus for First Nations peoples currently and are mindful to not add more pressure of community consultation into a new Adelaide Fringe RAP

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Gavin Wanganeen

Gavin Wanganeen is contemporary Aboriginal artist, former AFL legend, two time Premiership winner, member of the AFL Hall of Fame and Brownlow medallist. Gavin was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia and is a descendent of the Kokatha Mula people of the Western Desert in South Australia. The Kokatha people hold the Tjukupa (lore) and have a strong connection to country, the night sky and stories in the stars, a course of inspiration for the artwork for the front page of the Adelaide Fringe’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. Gavin’s mother was part of the Stolen Generation, taken from her parents when she was a young girl. Gavin began painting 10 years ago as a means of connecting him further to his culture, his heritage and the history of his family, country and people.

In 2019, Gavin was an Ambassador for the Adelaide Fringe and is also part of the Adelaide Fringe Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.

“Adelaide Fringe has such a strong connection to community, colour, vibrancy and storytelling. Fringe is such a wonderful time to be in South Australia, a month long celebration of collaboration, unity and diversity. I am so pleased to be part of the Adelaide Fringe’s reconciliation journey.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Elizabeth Close

Elizabeth Yanyi Close is an Anangu woman from the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara language groups in Central Australia, and an established Contemporary Aboriginal Visual Artist based in Adelaide. She has spent the past 14 years crafting a dynamic multi-disciplinary visual arts practice that speaks to both her own, personal Connection to Country, and the concept of connection to place and space more broadly. She works in the mediums of 2D visual arts, large scale muralist installations and digital media.

Elizabeth feels strongly about increasing the visibility of Aboriginal Arts and Culture in the public space. She is passionate about the importance of public art, and how it fits into the principles of placemaking. Elizabeth believes that public art transcends power dynamics and privilege; it takes art off the walls of the elite and out of the galleries and into the public realm; to challenge ideas and perceptions and to create a sense of ownership and belonging. Elizabeth juxtaposes her studio practice with large scale works; both of which are informed by the enduring and profound relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have with Country.

This symbol is intended to be a signal to consumers of the Adelaide Fringe, that the performance, exhibition or event is by or in collaboration with First Nations Australian Artists. It is a landmark; a digital landmark; underpinned by the ancient practice of using and creating cultural and geographical landmarks. It represents all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and performers, and speaks to the concept of community and connection to place and space. The drips speak to our connection to Country since time immemorial; the paint is still wet on nonAboriginal occupation of this land. It is informed also by the original concepts that underpin the Aboriginal Flag - representing the people, the sun as giver of life, and the land itself.