The event is primarily a
music festival encouraging Koorie, Non-Koorie and other nationalities in a
celebration of the art and culture of the South West district and includes:
music, dance, visual arts and crafts and environmental exchange. The
festival is the focus for restorative arts and environmental practices
enhancing the regions cultural identity and historical significance of the
lan
d. It encourages participation by cultural and community grot-JPS who
are able to demonstrate and share skills, customs, beliefs and modes of
spirituality, both during the festival and throughout the planning process. Artists that have featured over the years include Archie Roach, Warumpi
Band, Tiddas, Patricia Clarke, No Fixed Address, Brett Clarke, Andy Alberts
and the Walkabouts, Judith Durum, Lee Morgan, Declan O'Rourke, Shane
Howard, Neil Murray and Troy Casser Daley. Cultural and Ceremonial
exchange include Tal Kin Jeri SA, Kenbi NT, Yarrabah QLD, and local
Celtic, Maori and Sudanese Communities. Over it's sixteen-year history, TGPA has a strong record of achievement
including;
• Successfully seeking and managing grants and other funding
• Mentoring young emerging music and visual artists through music
events and art exhibitions
• Delivering the Toongkateeyt Yakeen (Dream of tomorrow) Music
• Program for Indigenous Youth
• Delivering reconciliation events for local government and community
• Producing CD of local artists in conjunction with National Aust Bank
• Auspicing arts projects including the development of children's books
• by local Indigenous and non indigenous artists
• Assisting local artists in their submissions for individual arts funding
• Environmental conservation projects including Koala Corridors. TGPA have build and fostered good relationships across all sectors:
government, arts, philanthropic and business including AAV, VicHealth,
Regional Arts Vic, Australia Council, Moyne Shire and National Aust Bank. To ensure ongoing delivery of these important community projects and to
improve sustainability TGPA require ongoing financial support.
