[Greens-Media] Aboriginal culture takes centre stage at Buckingham Palace

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

28 November 2013

Aboriginal culture takes centre stage at Buckingham Palace

The Australian Greens have welcomed news that Australia's rich Aboriginal culture has taken centre stage at Buckingham Palace with Lenie and Kevin Namatjira, the grandchildren of renowned Central Australian artist Albert Namatjira, attending a private audience with The Queen.
The meeting took place ahead of the international premiere of the Big hART play Namatjira in London.

"It is always exciting to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture in the international limelight," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples said today.
"Mr Namatjira has a distinct place in Australia's history, as a pioneer of contemporary indigenous art and first Aboriginal Australian to be granted citizenship.

"This is a special opportunity to highlight the work of Mr Namatjira, the Big hART stage production Namatjira and the richness and depth of Australia's Aboriginal culture on the international stage.
"Namatjira, is celebration of culture, art and heritage, and won the 2012 Helpmann award for best regional touring production.
"This exciting event is also a strong reminder of the importance of supporting and investing in Australia's art community, especially in regional and remote areas. Art plays such an important role in recording history, protecting culture and heritage and helping people in Australia and around the world learn more about the richness and depth of Aboriginal culture.
"This is a momentous event for Lenie and Kevin, and everyone involved with Namatjira, and I join with everyone at home in wishing them the best of luck for their London performances," Senator Siewert concluded.