First Nations Artists
Since 1992, WOMADelaide has championed First Nations artists and stories heard through music, arts and dance. In the spirit of celebrating all the world’s cultures, we believe it’s also our responsibility to give a platform to and observe the traditional storytelling of the original owners and custodians of this land. WOMADelaide takes place in Tainmuntilla, on Kaurna land, and we recognise the many peoples that make up the lands of this continent who have carried ancient stories in their own traditions for thousands of years. We have welcomed and been welcomed by First Nations artists and elders, including Yothu Yindi, Bangarra Dance Theatre, artists from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands in collaboration with Angus Watt, the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir, and the late Archie Roach – who we were honoured to witness perform at over seven festivals including our inaugural one – among many others.
Since 1999, a Welcome to Country has opened each day of the festival, led by Kaurna elders including Karl Telfer & Paitya Dance Group, followed by the late Stevie Goldsmith and Taikurtinna, then Uncle Stevie’s son, Jamie Goldsmith and Taikurtinna and, in more recent years, Ngangki Warra, and Kuma Kaaru.
Each year, WOMADelaide incorporates educational initiatives and discussions that focus on First Nations issues. Through workshops and The Planet Talks series, the festival creates an environment where festivalgoers can engage with, and learn from, the profound cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations communities.
This emphasis on cultural exchange and understanding has transformed the festival into an experience that transcends boundaries and builds bridges between communities. We believe that the programming of and invitation to First Nations artists is an integral part of our role both as a festival and as responsible users of Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla.
More information on our commitment to First Nations can be found in our Reconciliation Action Plan.
First Nations Programming
Over the decades, our stages have spotlighted legendary figures and contemporary powerhouses of Australian music, alongside dance and art installations rich in traditional First Nations storytelling. Performances, among many others, have included:
Music:
- Dr G Yunupingu (2009, 2012)
- Djalu Gurruwiwi (2015)
- Kankawa Nagarra (2026)
- Yothu Yindi (1993, 2026)
- Archie Roach (1992, 1995, 1996, 2008, 2011, 2017, 2021)
- A.B. Original (2017, 2022)
- Emily Wurramara (2025)
- Baker Boy (2022, 2018, 2026)
- Thelma Plum (2013, 2019)
- BARKAA (2022, 2026)
- Electric Fields (2017, 2022)
- The Black Arm Band (2008)
Dance:
- Bangarra Dance Theatre (1995, 1999, 2023, 2025)
- Mornington Island Dancers (1993)
- Gupapuygnu Dancers (2006)
- Djuki Mala (2018)
Site Artworks and Commissions
First Nations artists are regularly commissioned to reimagine the festival site. Past works include an artistic makeover of the iconic WOMAD letters by Cedric Varcoe in 2024, and site entrances designed by Barkindji artist Sarah Bates and Adnyamathanha, Narungga, and Wangkangurru Yarluyandi artist Iteka Ukarla Sanderson-Bromley in 2025 .
Over three years in 2009, 2010 and 2011 in partnership with Better World Arts, WOMADelaide commissioned the creation of 60 hand-painted original artworks Kungkarangkalpa in the Sky and Flags of the APY Lands – in collaboration with UK flag maker Angus Watt.
Throughout our history, traditional weaving workshops from multiple First Nations cultures have been featured at the festival. In 2007, local textile artist Sandy Elverd visited the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands of the tri-state central desert region to work with the Tjanpi Desert Weavers, returning for large-scale workshops with Community Arts Network, and in 2012, Weaving the World saw Better World Arts and Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) artists present weaving and sand art alongside Tenzin Choegyal and the Monks of Tibet.
Workshops and Educational Programs
You can often find weaving workshops taking place in our activity-filled and adventurous KidZone led by artists such as Wurtati Creations, Sonya Rankine, Lakun Mara, and many more.
The longest running and proudest tradition of KidZone is Uncle Stevie’s Kaurna Classroom. Originally led by the late Stevie Gadlabarti Goldsmith, now carried on by his son Jamie – a Kaurna Narungga man and world renowned Yidaki (Digeridoo) artist – Uncle Stevie’s Kaurna Classroom is a beloved space of culture workshops and Kaurna Language lessons.
In celebration of the SA Museum’s exhibition Yidaki: didjeridu and the sound of Australia in 2017, KidZone hosted visiting Yolngu artists including yidaki master Djalu Gurruwiwi, and held decorate your own yidaki workshops, traditional pandanus weaving alongside talks, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
Outside of KidZone, many First Nations artists have taken part in songwriting and traditional craft workshops including the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir (2025), Kankawa Nagarra (2026), Nganampa Music (2007), and Tjanpi Desert Weavers with Sandy Elverd (2007).
The Academy Stage
Debuted in 2024, this dedicated stage in Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla showcases young and emerging First Nations and culturally diverse South Australian artists. It also trains regional sound and stage technicians in partnership with Barkly Regional Arts.
Following their WOMADelaide performance, previous alumni MARLON X RULLA were selected as the opening act for Vika & Linda and Midnight Oil at WOMADelaide 2021. DEM MOB, an Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjantjara (APY) hip-hop group, performed at the prestigious Primavera Sounds in Barcelona and at the Lincoln Centre’s Summer For The City in 2023.
Find out more about this initiative and The Academy alumni here.
The Planet Talks
Panel discussions frequently centre on Indigenous leadership, land management, and First Nations perspectives on environmental and global issues.
From nature regeneration, to climate justice and changing oceans, it’s more important than ever that we include First Nations people in these discussions as we navigate our future on the big blue planet. Listen to past Planet Talks here.