Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia's foremost Indigenous dance company, has received the Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale for its contributions to dance.
Bangarra Dance Theatre, recognized as Australia's leading Indigenous dance company, has garnered international acclaim by winning the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale's Venice Danza festival. This award for lifetime achievement in dance will be presented during the festival, starting in July, and reflects the company's significant impact on the dance world since its formation. The Golden Lion, first inaugurated in 1995, highlights the global recognition of exceptional contributions to the contemporary dance scene.
The recognition comes on the heels of another notable victory by Back to Back Theatre, a disability-led group from Geelong, which won the Golden Lion at Venice's international theatre festival in 2024. Additionally, artist Archie Moore, representing Bigambul and Kamilaroi heritage, received the same honor at the Venice Art Biennale in the same year. These achievements underscore the rich cultural contributions being made by Australian artists on international platforms.
Choreographer Wayne McGregor, who is set to step down as director of Venice Danza, praised Bangarra for causing a 'seismic shift' in the landscape of dance, acknowledging the company's role in advancing cultural narratives and promoting Indigenous stories through their performances. This recognition not only elevates Bangarra's stature but also shines a light on the importance of representation and storytelling in the performing arts, particularly for Indigenous communities.
