Celebrations officially begin in the City of Perth with the NAIDOC Opening Ceremony at Moort-ak Waadiny (Wellington Square) on Sunday 7 July from 12 to 4pm.

Run by Naidoc Perth, this culturally significant ceremony is free and a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

In honour of this year’s NAIDOC theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud', the City of Perth is also hosting an extraordinary art exhibition in the Council House Foyer to honour the vibrant cultures of our First Nations people.

Running from 1 July to 2 August in the Council House Foyer, the exhibition will showcase profound works from locally and nationally renowned Aboriginal artists, celebrating their ability to keep the cultural fire burning.

The exhibition includes pieces from the City of Perth Cultural Collections and the City acknowledges the Janet Holmes à Court Collection and Mossenson Galleries for their generous loans.

The City of Perth is also supporting Koori Kids via a $500 sponsorship for the NAIDOC School Initiative. This is an educational competition, providing support for printing and distribution of related materials to schools within the City of Perth.

Discover more NAIDOC Week 2024 events below:

Keep the Fire Burning: NAIDOC Week Exhibition | 1 July to 2 August | Council House Foyer | 10am to 4pm
Join the City of Perth in celebrating extraordinary local artists and their invaluable contributions to Australia’s rich cultural landscape. In recognition of NAIDOC Week, the Keep the Fire Burning exhibition showcases some profound works from locally and nationally and renowned Aboriginal artists:

  • Lin Onus captivates us with his intricate blend of traditional Aboriginal art and contemporary techniques, creating pieces that bridge cultural divides and invite deep reflection on identity and history.
  • Gordon Bennett challenges viewers with thought-provoking commentary on postcolonial Australia. His works delve into themes of identity, race, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace dialogue for change.
  • Curtis Taylor brings stories from the Martu people to life. His works often explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities.
  • Christopher Pease merges traditional Nyoongar iconography with Western art traditions, creating visually stunning pieces that question colonial narratives and celebrate the resilience of Indigenous cultures.
  • Sandra Hill uses her art to address themes of displacement, cultural loss, and recovery. Her deeply personal works offer a poignant commentary on the Stolen Generations and the ongoing journey toward healing and cultural reconnection.
  • Julie Gough unearths the hidden histories of Tasmania, bringing to light the stories of the Palawa people. Her works serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and survival of Indigenous cultures in the face of adversity.
  • Noongar artist Lance Chadd captures the spiritual essence of the land and its stories through his paintings. His works are a tribute to the ancestral connections that continue to guide and inspire.
  • Shane Pickett masterfully blends traditional Nyoongar knowledge with contemporary art, creating dynamic paintings that reflect the natural rhythms and spiritual essence of the land.
  • Laurel Nannup shares her rich cultural heritage through printmaking and her works often reflect her personal stories and the broader narratives of the Nyoongar people.
  • John Prince Siddon offers us a unique blend of traditional and contemporary imagery in his works, creating powerful visual stories that speak to the complexities of the modern Indigenous identity.

NAIDOC Week Perth Opening Ceremony | 7 July | Moort-ak Waadiny (Wellington Square) | 12 to 4pm
The NAIDOC Week Perth Opening Ceremony will officially launch the 2024 National NAIDOC Week celebrations in Perth. Ceremony highlights will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and a closing performance featuring dancers on Midar Boodja (Dancing Ground). Attendees will experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through music, dance, food, arts, crafts and designs. The City of Perth sponsors this event through a $20,000 Local Activation Grant.

Lighting up for NAIDOC Week | 7 to 14 July | Council House, Trafalgar Bridge and Adelaide Pedestrian Bridge | Nightfall
The City of Perth will recognise NAIDOC Week by illuminating Council House, Trafalgar Bridge and the Adelaide Pedestrian Bridge in Aboriginal Flag colours from 7 to 14 July. 

ENDS

Issued by: Brooke Hunter, media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au