Sidney Myer Performing Arts winners announced
Marrugeku Dance Company has been awarded a prestigious 2022 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award, on of the richest and most covetted awards in the performing arts in Australia.
The awards were announced by Andrew Myer AM, Chairman, Sidney Myer Fund, at a ceremony on November 17 at Cranlana in Melbourne.
Marrugeku won the group award of $90,000. Codirected by Dalisa Pigram and director/dramaturg Rachael Swain, the company is dedicated to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians working together to develop new dance languages that are, in their own words, “restless, transformative and unwavering”.
“On behalf of Marrugeku we are thrilled and honoured to receive the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Group Award in acknowledgment of our many years of trans-Indigenous and intercultural performance making," the pair said in accepting the award. "Our story stretches from Kunwinjku, Yawuru, Bunuba and Gadigal Country to Aotearoa, New Caledonia, Burkina Faso, Belgium and beyond. This award recognises the commitment, artistry and cultural knowledge of our entire diverse family and we are grateful for the acknowledgement of their achievements with us.
"The resources will help support our ongoing Burrbgaja Yalirra program for the next generation of artists who understand community and culturally informed dance as a force for change and a critical site to engage the national imagination.’’
Also announced on the day were the Individual Winner ($60,000) – the actor and theatre-maker Eryn Jean Norvill - and the Facilitator’s Prize ($25,000) – Deirdre O’Brien, of Auspicious Arts Projects in Melbourne.
The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were established in 1984 by the Trustees of the Sidney Myer Fund, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Sidney Myer, a passionate advocate and great friend to the arts.