“Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” –Wade Davis
We are a crisis point in the history of the planet. Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of being have been undermined and devalued by colonisation and capitalism across the planet. Clans, tribes, communities and societies have suffered incalculable pain and losses that continue
to the present. As a consequence we are faced with a spiritual vacuum and ecological devastation that threatens us all. At the same time we have widespread xenophobia driven by misinformation and fear of others/difference. We need new paradigms that foster communication, awareness, education and respect for one another. Songlines is part of a new paradigm. It's a space that defies simple description because there are no models to compare it to. Songlines brings you the opportunity to learn about and experience a range of cultures of the world. We host exhibitions at the same time as selling ethical souvenirs. We have music, meditation, books, book readings/launches and lots more. We have fabrics, frocks, patchwork and multimedia. It's a place where people can visit, participate and interact with the staff and other people/creatives. Songlines is a platform for people to express their cultures and their concerns. It is welcoming, beautiful and political. To a large extent is is modelled on Provenance Arts, which was an arts space in the same location that closed in October 2020. That space was set up by our founder in her capacity as Mentor Manger for Injalak Arts. We pay our respects to the Larrakia people, the Traditional Owners of Darwin. We are young and look forward to bringing you an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Darwin TOs. Local artists are encouraged to come in/contact us to talk about how they can participate. Founder - Felicity Wright
Felicity is a non-Indigenous woman, originally from Victoria, who first visited the Northern Territory in 1986. She was planning to see Australia over the next year or so and learn more about the country she was born in. Through crazy synchronicity she was offered a job in the remote community of Yuendumu and became the first manager of Warlukurlangu Artists and began a lifetime living and working with Indigenous Australians. She never returned to Melbourne. She has lived and worked in remote NT for more than 12 years, but never in Darwin until 2021. You can see her CV here: felicitywright.com.au/felicity-wright-cv/
Felicity has also lived overseas and developed deep relationships with people of other cultures in Africa, SE Asia and the Americas. Her passion for the creative arts embracing music, dance, visual art and textiles as ways of honoring Indigenous and international cultures. Songlines brings you cultures of the world.
