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Indigenous Australian dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre has achieved international recognition, winning one of the most prestigious accolades in the arts world.
The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, awarded by the Venice Biennale, honors cultural pioneers and luminaries, with past recipients including Martin Scorsese, Malick Sidibé, and Demas Nwoko. On Friday, it was announced that Bangarra had become the first Australian company to receive the Golden Lion specifically for dance.
Frances Rings, Bangarra’s artistic director and co-CEO, described the moment as “momentous,” highlighting the company’s deep connection to First Nations culture and storytelling. “It’s 65,000 years of storytelling and First Nations history and culture that we’ve had the privilege to share on stage,” she told NITV.
The award had been kept secret since Rings and former long-time artistic director Stephen Page were notified last year. Rings recalled the private phone call from Sir Wayne McGregor, head of the Venice Biennale’s dance department, informing them of their nomination — and eventual win — as a surprising and humbling moment.
Founded in 1989 by Uncle Rob Bryant, Cheryl Stone, Carole Johnson, and NAISDA graduates, Bangarra has long been shaped by Page and his brothers, David and Russell. Rings noted that receiving a lifetime achievement award naturally evoked reflections on the company’s rich history. “For First Nations people, our past informs our future. Sharing Elders’ stories heals not only them, but ourselves and the nation,” she said.
The Venice Biennale, held annually in Italy’s historic city, is a major highlight on the global cultural calendar. This July, Bangarra will present Rings’ 2012 work Terrain at Venice Danza, the Biennale’s dance festival. The piece explores the lasting impacts of colonization on First Nations communities.
Rings expressed gratitude for the international recognition, especially given the current global challenges. “It’s humbling that our work resonates overseas during such a troubling time. For a First Nations company to receive this award is an honor we carry with pride and humility,” she said.
