Cairns Local News: Gimuy festival connection
THE art, the culture and the entertainment have arrived in Gimuy (Cairns) with the second iteration of the First Nations festival Shine on Gimuy showcasing colour, music and storytelling until Sunday.
By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Mau Power will be performing at the Shine on Gimuy hub at Salt House on Saturday. Picture: Supplied Mau Power will be performing at the Shine on Gimuy hub at Salt House on Saturday. Picture: Supplied A jam-packed program is running after the launch of the festival on Thursday with an array of entertainment and educational options – free and ticketed – including music, conversations, comedy and much more.
With the theme ENTWINED, all stories, all paths and all voices lead to Gimuy and the voices of the Yidinji people who will immerse attendees in a First Nations experience like no other.
Shine on Gimuy artistic director Rhoda Roberts AO said the festival had lots in store for this weekend.
“I think people will be excited by our light installations and audio soundscapes, with three new artists as they head down throughout the Esplanade,” she said.
“We have artists from Wujal Wujal, and local based artists. Our opening is with spirit guardians that reflect on the king of Gimuy and his traditional markings, done by his grandson Carl Fourmile. Our next artist is Merindi Schribier a musician and amazing weaver and our third is a young emerging artist Doreen Collins. That’s our difference from last year.
“There’s a lot happening on Saturday. We have our partnership with Queensland Music Festival with the Dream Aloud concert at Munro Martin Parklands, with a great lineup from King Stingray to Baker Boy, Bumpy and Kee’ahn for our younger demographic.
“So at our festival hub at Salt House for a different demographic we have a comedy night with music, which is super exciting because lots of people don’t get to see our dry and self-deprecating humour. We have Sean Choolburra and Andy Saunders with a new show. There’ll be a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour.”
There’ll be lots more to see over the weekend with amazing shows by Circa Cairns – Circa Youth Circus – music performances, Deep Wisdom Conversations at Salt House, slam poetry by Rob Waters, music by Mau Power, Kee’ahn, DJ Bala Will and more.
“This year our theme is Entwined, we’re all entwined and connected to everything so we hope for our audience to come, get chill, look at incredible transformative artworks, hear some great bands, take in some talks and walk away knowing that we have more similarities than differences and sees how diverse our culture is,” Ms Roberts said.
For the full program, visit www.shineonproductions.au/gimuy
Australian Rural & Regional News: Shine on Gimuy 2024 kicks off
The light installations are installed, and following last night’s rehearsal for Calling Country ceremony – Shine on Gimuy kicked off on 3 October 2024 – with a Friday to Sunday program of music, poetry, comedy and conversations and more at the Salt House HQ.
The stunning light installations that comprise the Artstory Light Walk will be in place until 13 October.
The Cassowary (right) is an artwork by emerging Wujal Wujal artist Doreen Collins, with sculpture made by Koah artist Jacob McGrath, who spent 200 hours fabricating this beauty. Merindi Schrieber’s dilly bags (bilge) disks also took around 300 hours – it is a stunning outdoor exhibition.
See the whole program of Shine on Gimuy events here.
Cairns Local News: Gimuy to shine again
THE second annual Shine On Gimuy festival will illuminate the city’s waterfront in a dazzling display of light installations, art sculptures, animations and soundscapes from October 3 to 13.
The second iteration of the Indigenous festival led by artistic director Rhoda Roberts under the guidance of a dedicated committee of cultural guides, Shine on Gimuy will deliver an invigorating and immersive line-up of music performances, cultural dance, comedy and conversations in a celebration of First Nations peoples, arts and cultures.
While the main program of events will run from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6, the ENTWINED themed Artstory Light Walk on Gimuy Boulevard will remain in-situ until the festival closes on Sunday, October 13.
“This year’s ENTWINED theme is reflective of the interconnectedness all First Nations (and Bama) peoples share, as well as our intrinsic and inseparable connection to country. Visitors will be entranced by this sensory spectacle,” Ms Roberts said.
From October 3-6 Salt House will become the official hub of the festival on the eastern events lawn and Gimuy Boulevard will come alive with an array of multi-arts activations which the entire family, attendees of all backgrounds, the Bama community, and visitors to Tropical North Queensland, alike, will find entertaining and immersive.
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden said Shine On Gimuy was a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines Gimuy/Cairns as the regional ‘arts and culture capital of northern Australia.
“This festival, not only celebrates the creative brilliance of our First Nations communities, but also strengthens the bonds that unite us all,” she said.
“I’m immensely proud to see our city shine on the national stage, showcasing the deep connections to country and cultures that make Gimuy/Cairns truly unique.”
Shine On Productions will bring a jam-packed program of entertainment, culture and education over three days. For its performative aspect The Music Makers program (ticketed) will shine a light on musical artists/singers-songwriters from the region, as well as headlining major talent such as Briscoe Sisters, Mau Power, Victor Steffenson, Yirgjhilya Lawrie, Kee’ahn and Broden Tyrrell.
For a full program, visit https://bit.ly/3MWmHD5
By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Cape York Weekly: Lost artwork brought back to life
After losing all of her paintings in the Tropical Cyclone Jasper flood, a Wujal Wujal artist is seeing her work come to life in the form of an eight-metre tall light sculpture.
Selected as one of this year’s artists for the Shine on Gimuy multi-arts light festival in Cairns, Doreen Collins will share the story of the cassowary with visitors, based on an original painting that was unfortunately washed away.
Ms Collins, who has since relocated to Cairns after the flood event, said it was heartbreaking to lose so many paintings, but added the festival was another chance to show her work and tell her story.
“[It’s] exciting, it’s another opportunity for people to see my artwork that was lost,” she said.
“I did the sketch of it and they’re building it now.
“I’m excited to share my culture because it’s a part of who I am.”
In only its second year, Shine on Gimuy brings First Nations artists from across Tropical North Queensland region together with a team of fabricators to create a magnificent light show.
“It’s about how do we showcase blak excellence in arts and cultures, as well as the region itself to help stimulate visitation, and bring people from all across the world to this beautiful part of Queensland,” event marketing and partnerships co-ordinator Jack Wilkie-Jans said.
“Artworks that are obviously a great deal smaller when the original artworks come to us can be transformed into major light sculptures.
“This has never been done in Cairns before; artists who are emerging and established working together with a team of expert fabricators to bring together something that is just so dazzling.”
Mr Wilkie-Jans said three artists with completely differing styles would be brought together by colourful lights to decorate Gimuy Boulevard, the entryway to the festival.
“They reflect the colours of the tropics, they reflect the colours of the reef, and more importantly, they reflect what’s in the heart and mind and cultures of these artists,” he said.
The Shine on Gimuy festival will begin on 3 October as the dazzling works light up the Esplanade in Cairns.
By Chisa Hasegawa
ArtsHub: Shine on Gimuy returns to illuminate tropical city in 2024
Led by arts festival supremo Rhoda Roberts AO, Shine on Gimuy centres illuminated displays by First Nations creatives.
Shine on Gimuy, a First Nations light festival, will return for its second annual event from 3-13 October along Cairns Esplanade to illuminate the city’s waterfront with light installations, art sculptures, animations and soundscapes.
Rhoda Roberts AO will lead the festival as Artistic Director, bringing along her experience as the Creative Director of Parrtjima Festival, a major light experience in Mparntwe/Alice Springs in the NT to Far North Queensland.
From 3-6 October, the Salt House bar and restaurant will transform into the Shine on Gimuy Festival Hub, where an array of multi-arts activations will welcome visitors...*
National Indigenous Times: First Nations light festival - Shine On Gimuy - to illuminate Cairns
"The Shine On Gimuy festival is set to illuminate the Gimuy/Cairns Esplanade's 'Gimuy Boulevard' (Queensland) for another year.
Showcasing a display of light installations, art sculptures, animations, and soundscapes, the full festival program will feature music performances, cultural dance, comedy, and conversations in a celebration of First Nations peoples, arts and cultures.
Running from October 3 - 13, the event is supported by the Queensland government, Arts Queensland, Cairns Regional Council, and Australian government.
Shine On Gimuy is a multi-arts light festival led by Artistic Director, Rhoda Roberts AO, under the guidance of a dedicated committee of Cultural Guides.
From October 3-6, the Salt House bar and restaurant (Festival Hub), the Eastern Events Lawn and Gimuy Boulevard will become host to an array of multi-arts activations..."
Thanks to the National Indigenous Times for your coverage: Read more here!
‘City to ‘Dream Aloud’ in ‘24, Cairns Local News
A NEW First Nations contemporary music festival will be staged in Cairns in October following the success of the first Shine on Gimuy last year. By Nick Dalton
One of the displays at last year's Shine on Gimuy. One of the displays at last year's Shine on Gimuy.
Dream Aloud is a key event in the ‘Tropics Trail’, part of the state-wide Queensland Music Trails (QMT) program backed by the Queensland Government.
The Tropics Trail is scheduled to take place in October each year and also includes events such as the Yarrabah Music Festival, Shine On Gimuy, and Savannah in the Round.
A Cairns Regional Council report said the trail was a tourism destination initiative offering audiences an itinerary that celebrated the region’s people, places and culture through music, aiming to position Cairns as a premier cultural tourism destination in Australia. “Dream On is produced by Queensland Music Festival (QMF) in collaboration with Shine On Productions (SOP) and under the curatorial guidance of leading Indigenous producer, Rhoda Roberts,” it said.
“The event will incorporate First Nations contemporary music against the backdrop of Cairns.
“The event will spotlight the rich cultural heritage and dynamic musical traditions of Australia’s First Nations people including nationally renowned artists.”
It will include a traditional Welcome to Country performed by Traditional Owners and Custodians, accompanied by a traditional dance performance and smoking ceremony. First Nations artisan stalls will sell ceramics, paintings, textiles, carvings, and local produce.
“Dream Aloud will serve as a platform for emerging local talent to showcase their stories and voices, including providing a platform for the 2024 winner of the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival’s ‘Battle of the Bands’,” the report said.
Cr Trevor Tim told last week’s regional council meeting that the event was “a great idea, a great concept”.
Cr Rhonda Coghlan said she was surprised how successful economically and culturally Shine on Gimuy was last year.
She said it was “visually spectacular” and “lifted the city up”.
Cr Brett Moller said it would add to a program to make Cairns the regional arts capital of Northern Australia.
The council has approved $240,000 in funding to support the two First Nations entertainment events. A two-year funding agreement of $160,000 will support the Shine On Gimuy 2024 and 2025 events plus a contribution of up to $80,000 for Dream Aloud 2024.
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/city-to-dream-aloud-in-24-2024-06-14
Channel 9 ‘My Way’ Documentary
My Way is a lifestyle leisure program like no other in Australia. Showcasing first hand stories from tourism operators, business founders and savvy enthusiasts, My Way finds the inner hero in everyday Australians, and recognised Shine On Gimuy as an inspiring First Nations Festival worthy of sharing its story to Australia. Shine On Gimuy was showcased on My Way program in November 2023 this 15 minute expose features interviews with Executive Producer Merryn Hughes, Artistic Director Rhoda Roberts and Artist Michelle Yeatman, whilst showcasing the ArtStory Walk, Performances and Calling Country Ceremony. It reached a national audience of over 500,000 people.
Qld Music Trails Announces Brand-New Event for the Tropics Trail: Shine On Gimuy
Qld Music Trails Announces Brand-New Event for the Tropics Trail: Shine On Gimuy
An Incredible Light and Art Display in the heart of Gimuy/Cairns
Presented by QLD Music Trails & Shine On Productions
After the lightning-fast sell-out of Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival, the Tropics leg of Qld Music Trails has another one for the calendar, with this new First Nations event.
The Queensland Music Trails adventure will continue all the way up to the state’s Far North this October. With Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival having already reached full capacity, the Tropics Trail has added another stellar event to its itinerary! Shine On Gimuy is a major new First Nations event, led by Indigenous Creative and Cultural Guides who will bring a stunning art display to the Cairns waterfront on October 5 through 15.
A journey of immersion, exploration and connection to the world's oldest culture, Shine On Gimuy will be a multi-artform event that illuminates the streets with light shows, soundscapes, art installations, programmed talks and music performances that capture 60,000 years of history, science, tradition and stories untold.
Shine On Gimuy Creative Director, Rhoda Roberts OA, says, “The Yidindji of Cairns host ‘Shine on Gimuy,’ a new festival that is the illumination of ideas, knowledge, AND country. Staged on the Cairns Esplanade, highlighting the magnificent tree canopies with artworks by celebrated local artists Paul Bong and Michelle Yeatman leading to the events space on Cairns Waterfront where music, dance, stories reflect the philosophy of land, waterways and sky country.”
“Come and join us and meet the locals, our elders will make you feel like you’re visiting like family, as the sunset provides a magical backdrop of singular beauty for our music, song and dance.”
Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch MP, said that the inaugural Shine on Gimuy First Nations arts and cultural festival in 2023 is an exciting addition to Queensland’s cultural calendar that will strengthen the region’s reputation as a destination for exceptional live music and visual arts events.
“The Queensland Government is proud to invest in the Shine on Gimuy Festival with support of more than $460,000 over three years through Arts Queensland’s Strategic Partnerships Fund, and $80,000 from the First Nations Commissioning Fund for the event’s opening ceremony.
“We are also supporting arts sector employment and capacity building through the festival with an investment of $125,000 over two years enabling two industry placements that will grow marketing and partnerships expertise and production coordination.
“Importantly Shine on Gimuy will employ more than 70 local artists and arts workers, generate social, cultural and economic benefits, and share the region’s powerful First Nations stories, arts and cultures ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games when Queensland will be showcased on the global stage.”
Shine On Productions Producers Merryn Hughes and Julie Brooks, say, “Shine on Productions are thrilled to be staging the inaugural First Nations Shine on Gimuy Festival creating a new opportunity to build sustainable economic development in Tropical North Queensland.
“With the support of the Queensland Government, QMF, the local community and our commercial partners, Shine on Gimuy will help to raise the profile of Queensland arts, provide ongoing employment opportunities for Queenslanders and establish TNQ as the premier First Nations cultural tourism destination.
“We look forward to establishing Shine on Gimuy as a major key event on the Queensland Major Events calendar.”
Tourism Minister and Ministerial Champion for Yarrabah, Stirling Hinchliffe, said that “The evidence shows us that there is a real desire for more authentic Indigenous cultural visitor experiences and events like Shine On Gimuy will help draw them to the far north.
“The sell-out success of the Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival tells us unique indigenous music and art performers are in demand while helping to build on Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s cultural tourism destination of choice.
“The Tropics Trail provides a terrific opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest living cultures while supporting good jobs and the local visitor economy."
Deputy Mayor Cr Terry James, proclaimed that, “We are immensely proud to partner with Shine on Gimuy, a celebration of our First Nations arts and culture.”
“With breathtaking art, stunning light, music displays, this event promises to be a vivid journey, showcasing the rich tapestry of First Nations history, traditions, and stories.
“As well as promoting Cairns as the arts and cultural capital of Northern Australia, this event will also provide a platform to increase the knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture.”
The artworks, elevated by the evocative soundscapes, will feature the language, stories, chants, and songs that have culminated from the rich Indigenous oral history of the region, offering a unique and poignant experience of the First Nations people of Gimuy/Cairns.
Held on the same weekend as Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival, it rounds out the stunning musical road trip itinerary for the Tropics Trail. Surrounded by the stunning rainforest-to-beach landscape and unbeatable travel spots - including one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the Great Barrier Reef - this visit to Far North Queensland is unmissable.
The unique event offers roadtrippers, locals and punters alike the chance to experience an authentic connection to Indigenous culture, as told by the local First Nations people, who are the custodians of ancient connections to Gimuy land, culture and nature.
Among the most enriching experiences offered across the ten days, some of the highlights are sure to be the Gimuy Art Story Walk (which will include installations of Shields and Swords, Fever of Stingrays, Saltwater, Blaktivation, Country Ceremony Opening Ceremony and The Blak Markets).
As a part of the festivities, Salt House will host music makers live music performances from some of Australia’s best known First Nations talent and the ‘Deep Wisdom’ talk series featuring cultural knowledge holders who will explore a range of topics including; sea migration, story of origin/creation, land, sea and sky stories, songlines across country, fire management, First Nations inventors.
Shine On Gimuy is designed to bring to the world a resource for cultural information, understanding and enjoyment of First Nations culture.
Shine on Gimuy is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, and through Tourism and Events Queensland, and is a feature of the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
Shine On Gimuy is presented by QLD Music Trails and Shine On Productions and supported by Cairns Regional Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, James Cook University, and Salt House. Tickets and information can be found at shineongimuy.au
Shields and Swords
Paul Bong
Saltwater
Michelle Yeatman
Fever of Stingrays
QUEENSLAND MUSIC TRAILS 2023
BRISBANE TRAIL: SEPTEMBER 1-23
SWEET RELIEF!
Brisbane, September 16
Groove Armada (DJ Set - Aus Exclusive), The Avalanches (Aus Exclusive), Ladyhawke, Cut Copy DJ Set, Nina Las Vegas, Latifa Tee, Yo! Mafia, Poof Doof Pride Patrol feat. Jimi the Kween & more.
TROPICS TRAIL: OCTOBER 7
SHINE ON GIMUY
Cairns/Gimuy, October 5 - 15
YARRABAH MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Yarrabah, October 7
Jessica Mauboy, Electric Fields, Jessie Lloyd, Yarrabah Brass Band
Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP
“It was a pleasure to meet with the team and hear about their successful funding through Arts Queensland's Strategic Partnerships Fund”
Source: Facebook
"The Gimuy (Cairns) waterfront will soon be illuminated by lightshows, soundscapes, art installations, programmed talks and music performance at SHINE ON GIMUY.
"It was a pleasure to meet with the team while in Cairns and hear about their successful funding through Arts Queensland's Strategic Partnerships Fund. The incredible opening event has received a grant through First Nations Commissioning Fund
"This major new First Nations event led by Indigenous Creatives and Cultural Guides will be a journey of immersion, exploration and connection to the world's oldest culture."