Bangarra Dance Theatre Announces New Partnership

Bangarra Dance Theatre has proudly announced a transformative partnership with Wesfarmers, bringing together two organisations united by their dedication to amplifying Indigenous storytelling through the arts. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding access to First Nations cultural expressions across Australia, ensuring Bangarra’s powerful narratives reach even more communities, particularly in Western Australia.

Bangarra’s Executive Director Louise Ingram said "Wesfarmers plays a crucial role in bolstering our touring initiatives, particularly in Western Australia, allowing us to share our stories and cultural expressions with audiences across the nation. Together, we are not just promoting the arts; we are enriching communities and inspiring future generations.”

The new partnership will enable Bangarra to tour to Perth and regional Western Australia more frequently, including premiering Frances Rings’ Illume on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja Country at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia in July 2025, and a season on Kinjarling Country at Albany Entertainment Centre.

Inspired by Lombadina Aboriginal community in Western Australia, Illume is an iridescent new theatrical experience by Artistic Director Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard Visual Artist Darrell Sibosado that draws together music, visual arts and dance to explore the ways light has captivated and sustained Indigenous cultural existence for millennia.

Wesfarmers has for many decades taken a leading role in supporting art in Australia, particularly celebrating, sharing and elevating the work of Australia’s First Nations artists. The Perth-based company also has a multi-decade commitment to reconciliation with a vision for Australia that affords equal opportunities to all.

“We are delighted to become a major partner of Bangarra, and to help bring First Nation stories through dance to more people around Australia,” Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said.

As a Major Partner, Wesfarmers will have access to performances and bespoke experiences at Bangarra, providing enriching opportunities to expand cultural awareness and deepen understanding of this country’s history and the oldest continuing culture in the world.

For more information on Bangarra, and tickets to upcoming shows, visit the Bangarra website.