Boomerang Festival has announced it will be changing to a biennial event, with organisers re-thinking the festival’s short and long-tern plan after the recent arts funding cuts in the Federal Budget.
The event, which began last year with the likes of Xavier Rudd, John Williamson and Gurrumul on the bill, will now take place over the October long weekend in 2015 instead of this year.
Festival Director Rhonda Roberts said the decision was one that would ensure the event will continue to represent remote, rural and regional Australia to its best ability.
“Boomerang is a world class event and it is for many, their first real interaction at an event that is programmed by and with a First Nation’s perspective,” Roberts said.
“It is our cultural responsibility to ensure the authenticity, control and authorship of the event reflects the depth and diversity of our cultures, rituals and arts practices. It is essential that the festival program represents remote, rural and regional Australia along with international and often unseen First Nation global music and culture. This is an essential ingredient to what gives Boomerang its edge but faces costly challenges due to the nature of distances and travel expenses.”
Roberts praised Bluesfest boss Peter Noble, who financed the inaugural event last year and said that the biennial decision will allow Boomerang to find a similar, stable backing in 2015.
“While we are saddened the 2014 event is not taking place, by making our event biennial allows us to nurture and strategically look at the marketplace and seek financial support that will enable us to deliver an extraordinary event and meet even the most discerning festival-goers’ expectations. We need your help to join us to share in the diversity. Ideally we are seeking sponsorship support in some way for what is a truly unique Australian and international cultural event.”
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