Colours of the country

A new cultural event celebrating the art, music, and traditions of the East Kimberley will debut at this year’s Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster in Kununurra.

Colours of Country will take place on May 17 at the Festival Hub in Celebrity Tree Park.

The evening will be a showcase of the region’s creativity through art, music, fashion, storytelling, and bush food experiences.

Ord Valley Events Inc chairperson Sophie Cooke said Colours of Country would be an important platform for local artists.

“Colours of Country has been thoughtfully curated for artists, visitors, and locals alike,” Ms Cooke said.

“The music program will bring beautiful energy to the night, with Family Shoveller Band, Kankawa Nagarra, and Saltwater Kin creating a rich soundtrack of Kimberley stories, spirit, and connection to country”.

Artists and galleries from across the East Kimberley, including Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, Warmun Art Centre, Yarlyil Arts, and Tjarrambayi Arts, will take part, along with independent artists and community art groups.

The event will be hosted by Wyndham-born digital artist and storyteller Molly Hunt.

Another highlight is the runway presentation of the Boonkaj II Collection, a wearable art fashion show created by artists from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts. Textile designs by artists such as Peggy Griffiths, Agnes Armstrong, and Delany Griffiths draw inspiration from bush plants and traditional knowledge of Miriwoong country.

“It’s a powerful showcase of wearable art from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, WA’s oldest Indigenous arts centre, celebrating culture, storytelling, and the incredible talent of artists from Miriwoong country,” Ms Cooke said.

Food will also play a key role, with Blak Tapas and local knowledge holders sharing cultural traditions through open-fire cooking and tastings of regional bush foods, including crocodile, barramundi, and kangaroo.

Colours of Country is part of the Ord Valley Muster’s 25th anniversary program, running from May 15-24.

The 10-day festival includes art, cultural, culinary, and music experiences across the East Kimberley.

Over the week, visitors can experience everything from Colours of Country to the adrenaline and dust of the Muster Rodeo, where the north’s best riders compete in a true outback spectacle.

Comedy in the Park delivers a night of stand-up, headlined this year by Eddie Ifft, Troy Kinne, Danielle Walker and He Huang.

The Kimberley Moon Experience is headlined by one of Australia’s highest-selling artists, Tina Arena, joined by Boy & Bear and Budjerah.

For more information, visit ordvalleymuster.com.au.