‘The Voyage of Bayini’ is a collaboration of two cultures: the Yolngu people of North East Arnhem Land and the Paiwan and Truku tribes of Taiwan. Captured through songlines and dance that are still practiced today, the two groups work together to share, through music, song and dance, the stories of their ancestors’ journeys over millenia. ‘The Voyage of Bayini’ tells of connections and exchanges, interweaving different stories and myths. Each artist weaves pieces of their contemporary selves into this retelling, adding to the fabric of these treasured stories.

This exciting new work is led by Miku Performing Arts (Yirrkala), working with leading Taiwanese independent artists, and supported by co-producers in both locations. The Australian artists will travel to Taiwan for cultural exchange and community engagement in November 2022, and then the Taiwanese artists will come to Yolngu Country for reciprocal exchange and the World Premiere performances in May 2023. ‘The Voyage of Bayini’ shines a light for the world on the untold, unknown histories of First Nations people, and the deep interconnectedness between Northern Australia and Asia over hundreds and thousands of years.

Website: Arts development and touring, Northern Territory - Artback NT

Image: Credit: Artback NT

Project start-end dates: March 2022 – June 2024

Location: Taiwan

Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grant: $52,000