The Daly River community (Nauiyu), 240 kilometres south-west of Darwin, celebrates the 27th Merrepen Arts and Culture Festival from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, with a massive cultural weekend of traditional and contemporary performance, colourful designs, fashion and fabrics, art sale, exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, music from Top End bands, tasty camp fire bush tucker and a three day Sports Carnival. No permit is required to visit the community.
This year’s highlight is the premiere of a mesmerising and multi-layered fashion and cultural production, Ngan’giwetimbi Dememarrgu – Old Stories New Ways, which connects generations of ancestral stories to the Nauiyu artists and their world today. This magical experience begins at 7pm shining the spotlight on the history, strength and creativity of this thriving community and how they have incorporated ancient and modern techniques into their art, textiles and designs.
Nauiyu is easily accessibly on sealed road 240 kms south west of Darwin. Drive to Adelaide River on the Stuart Highway, turn right on to Dorat Road, and after 30 kms turn right again onto Daly River Road. The festival will be signposted. There are a number of tourist parks throughout the area offering a variety of accommodation options, best to book early. There is no camping available in the community.
In May and June, the days are warm and sunny and the nights can be very cool. You will need to bring appropriate clothing such as light clothes, hats and sun protection for the day, warm clothing for the evenings. You should also bring medicines, insect repellent and drinking water. Food and fuel supplies are limited within the community.
Merrepen Arts Festival has been a popular and successful Territory iconic event for 27 years. With the recent launch of the new fabric range it has become even more sought after. This is your opportunity to buy the latest fabrics direct from the community, to meet the artists and see some of the places that inspire them. Don’t miss out! It’s an exciting Arts & Cultural festival and showcases the best the Territory has to offer.
For further information click HERE