Mandurah groups gear up for the 2017 Stretch Arts Festival

The group is one of the eight lucky recipients of the Stretch Arts Festival grants, which give local projects up to $2000 to spend in developing and nurturing the artistic skills of the local community.

Dudley Park Primary’s Paul Morrison said the group, which relies heavily on external funding, would invest the grant in getting new dancing uniforms, paying for their didgeridoo player and covering the needs of the dancers.

The group will also use the funds to share Aboriginal culture with punters and teach them how to perform some of their traditional dances in Mandjar Square during this year’s Stretch Arts Festival. 

Attendees will be able to have a yarn before learning how to tell stories through the emu and kangaroo dances.

Mr Morrison said the school’s dance group was central to teaching students about their culture and how to be proud of their Aboriginal heritage.

In addition to learning how to perform the traditional dances, Mr Morrison said the students also learn about respect towards adults, not to be ashamed of their background, and the need to go to school every day.

He said that every Aboriginal choreography has a story behind it, may it be that of hunters finding a bee hive and getting stung, or one about the abundance of kangaroos and the need to take care of mother Earth.

This year’s other grant recipients were the Peel Multicultural Association, From the Heart, En Plein Air Group, Community First, Inclusive Arts and Ability Arts, Essence of Place, and RIPTIDE.

Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone said the grants were a way of supporting the region’s art, heritage and cultural activities which embrace the talent of the local community. 

“I’m soc excited to see these programs come to life as part of Stretch, as they all encourage participation of our community in art and cultural activities which in turn enhances our health and wellbeing,” she said. 

This year’s Stretch Arts Festival will be held on May 6 and 7.

For more information about the festival and to get involved go to the City of Mandurah’s website.