Emerge in the West Festival: Culture Conversations is a new incarnation of the beloved Emerge in the West Festival in Footscray.
It will be both a community consultation and a platform to experience the incredible talents of local African Australian artists in two intimate local venues.
Emerge in the West: Culture Conversations will deepen the conversation about the cultural evolution of the Nicholson Street precinct; artists, community leaders, collectives and organisations leading a discussion of cultural and artistic responses to issues to help shape the future of this community.
Program of events
Flourishing Business, Flourishing Culture
Date and time: Saturday 15 June from 2pm
Location: Africa Town, 161 Nicholson Street, Footscray
How can Emerge in the West support the positive development of the African business district in Footscray?
Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country by Uncle Larry Walsh. Screenings of local filmmakers’ new short works. In partnership with Cinespace.
Book for Flourishing Business, Flourishing Culture
Youth Futures - Justice and Engagement
Date and time: Saturday 15 June, 2 - 4:30pm
Location: VU at MetroWest, 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray
What sort of artistic interventions or responses might occur through Emerge in the West? South Sudan Voice theatre; followed by community conversation.
Book for Youth Futures - Justice and Engagement
Abuse - Substances & Violence
Date and time: Sunday 16 June from 2pm
Location: Africa Town, 161 Nicholson Street, Footscray
How could Emerge in the West contribute to a positive way forward? Conversation facilitated by Soreti Kadir. Opening & closing with P-Unique performance.
Book for Abuse - Substances & Violence
Changing Footscray
Date and time: Sunday 16 June, 2 - 4:30pm
Location: VU at MetroWest, 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray
Discuss cultural responses to Footscray’s changing demographics and development. Fashion by Embrace Your Frizzique; spoken word and DJs. In partnership with FReeZA.
Emerge in the West Closing Party
Date and time: Sunday 16 June, from 8pm
Location: Africa Town, 161 Nicholson Street, Footscray
Relax and kick back at Africa Town Restaurant. Delicious meals and drinks available at reasonable prices. Connect with other artists and communities who have contributed to the Culture Conversations.
Featuring Ausecuma Beats: Yusupha Ngum’s passionate vocals soar over rich percussion, balafon and guitar. With virtuoso musicians Boubacar Gaye, Panga, Ed Crocker, Bassidi Koné and Adam Halliwell, Ausecuma Beats unites their diverse backgrounds in Senegambia, Cuba, Mali and Australia.
