Deaf First Nations dancers celebrated in new State Library showcase
A deaf dance group from Far North Queensland which uses vibration to sense the rhythms of traditional music is being celebrated in a State Library of Queensland showcase opening 25 May. Deaf in Dance explores the 27-year history of the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG), and its proud First Nations members who communicate through a range of Indigenous sign languages.
The showcase features artworks, performances and digital stories, together with a collection of narrative portraits of the group from award-winning photojournalist Sean Davey. It has been created with a focus on accessible design, with Australian Sign Language Auslan tours will be held monthly as part of the complementary programming.
Deaf in Dance highlights include:
A full video of DIDG’s performance at Sydney’s Dance Rites 2023; newly commissioned interviews with DIDG members; large-scale reproductions of artworks created by DIDG members; and custom tactile artwork from First Nations artist Bree Buttenshaw.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch shares, “For almost three decades, the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group has shared a love of movement and First Nations stories with world-class festival and event performances around Australia.
“The State Library’s Deaf in Dance exhibition is part of the Queensland Government’s 10-year Creative Together strategy to elevate First Nations culture and storytellers on the global stage ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, supporting the Path to Treaty, truth-telling and healing.”
State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM adds, “Deaf in Dance honours and celebrates the distinct cultural and artistic impact the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group has had over its 27-year history. The showcase examines how connection to culture can provide unity, pride and a sense of belonging.
“It is an opportunity to learn what accessibility can mean for State Library of Queensland’s wide range of events, exhibitions and collections, and how we can provide a meaningful experience for all Queenslanders. Deaf in Dance is an important part of recognising the cultural identities of Queensland’s Deaf and hard of hearing communities.”
Deaf in Dance will be at the State Library of Queensland 25 May – 16 March, 2025. Click here to learn more.
Deaf Indigenous Dance Group perform at the 2021 Laura Dance Festival in Laura, Cape York, far north Queensland. 2021 was the first time that DIDG performed at the biannual festival.
L to R: (back row) Amelia Street, Sue Frank, Leslie Footscray, Paul Norman (obscued), Clifford Johnson, Patricia Morris-Banjo. Front row (Jack Zitha, Nathaniel Murray, Aviu Ware). Photo by Sean Davey.