2 Worlds Festival Geelong – Celebrating Culture
2 Worlds Festival is a unique event celebrating indigenous and western music, art and culture by bringing together some of Australia’s best talent.
It will be held at the Fyansford Paper Mills in Geelong on Saturday 20th October.
This is a not for profit event, supporting the Märrma’ Rom Foundation that is based in Geelong and who run a leadership program empowering indigenous youth.
Website: http://www.2worldsfestival.
Please contact kieran@2worldsfestival.org.au if you have any questions
BACKGROUND
The inspiration for the Two Worlds Festival comes from the Marrma’ Rom-Two Worlds Foundation. ‘Marrma’ Rom’ translates to ‘two worlds, two cultures or two belief systems’ in Yolngu Matha, the language of the people in Arnhem Land.
The Foundation was started in 2011 by Cam Begg and Melissa Patterson, in partnership with the communities of NE Arnhem Land. It is a leadership program to empower the next generation of young men and women from North East Arnhem Land. The vision of this Foundation is to enable them to walk confidently in ‘two worlds’. These young participants learn about the world in which we live, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that help them thrive in this ever-changing, technology driven society. They become independent and develop ‘life skills’ that enable them to live in both worlds. They will be the role models for their community in the future.
Since 2011 there have been 22 students come through the program, each individual staying for periods of time ranging from 3 months to 3 years. Yirrmal Marika, Yolngu musician, was one of the first participants starting in 2011, has been with MRF for 7+ years. He is still actively involved and one of the organisers of the festival. Yirrmal has developed into an amazingly accomplished musician for his age, performing traditional songs along with western inspired tunes sung with passion and emotion. Yirrmal has been working with mentors Neil Murray, Shane Howard, Archie Roach and Steve Teakle. He has performed at many of the biggest festivals in Australia and has won multiple awards and accolades. Yirrmal aims to set an example for Indigenous youth and to be a strong, positive role-model for the young generation.
For testimonials and more information on Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation go to www.mrf2worlds.org.au
For more information (and to hear the mesmerising sounds of Yirrmal), go to http://www.yirrmal.com/
