This Friday, I.C.E. (Information & Cultural Exchange) invites Sydneysiders to celebrate two milestones, the organisation’s official name change to A.C.E. (Arts and Cultural Exchange) and an unmissable A.C.E x 23rd Biennale of Sydney Party (4 March 2022) to mark the opening of the exhibition, titled rÄ«vus at A.C.E. (4 March – 13 June 2022).
“With an almost 40-year legacy as one of Sydney’s leading cultural institutions, we are thrilled to officially usher in a new era of innovative initiatives under the Arts and Cultural Exchange name,” said A.C.E. Executive Director Anne Loxley.
“As part of the work which led to the organisation’s change of name, we commissioned a review of our brand and customer value proposition and learnt that we are perceived as experienced, wise, and energised.”
“Due to this feedback and in celebration of the cutting-edge of contemporary art coming to A.C.E. as part of the 23rd Biennale of Sydney, we are pulling out all stops to offer Western Sydney a cracking arts party,” she said.
A.C.E x 23rd Biennale of Sydney Party (4 March)
Sydneysiders are invited to an official opening party with DJ sets, food and drinks, contemporary art, and a celebration of Dharug culture.
The people and clans of the Dharug are the traditional custodians of the land on which A.C.E. is situated in Western Sydney.
Performances and cultural experiences will include:
- A Welcome and Ceremony by Dharug Cultural Practitioners Julie Bukari Jones (Webb), and Peta Strachan, accompanied by a Jannawi Dance Clan performance;
- Activation of Leanne Tobin’s participatory weaving wall Ngalawan (2022) overlay on her son Shay Tobin’s work Burramatta Badu (2021);
- An embroidery tutorial from A.C.E.’s Embroiderers’ Collective;
- Costume and body performance by Filipinx artist Red Rey in collaboration with Manila-based multidisciplinary artist Leeroy New;
- Hyperpop EDM madness with DJ Sol Yoga.
Tickets available at: https://ice.org.au/project/
23rd Biennale of Sydney: rÄ«vus at A.C.E. (4 March – 13 June 2022)
Open to the public from 4 March – 13 June 2022, A.C.E. will present a series of contemporary works by Dharug and International artists as part of the 23rd Biennale of Sydney, titled rÄ«vus. rÄ«vus at A.C.E. marks the organisation’s historic first time as an official presenting partner of the Biennale of Sydney.
rīvus investigates the role of rivers, wetlands and other salt and freshwater ecosystems as dynamic living systems with varying degrees of political agency.
rīvus at A.C.E. will showcase:
1. Voice of the Burramatta 2022 by the Burramatta River and spoken by cultural practitioner, founder of Dharug Allies for Nura Alliance and the Chairperson of Dharug Strategic Management Group (DSMG) Julie Bukari (Webb). A powerful digital work exploring the sacred energy of the Parramatta River, known as Burramatta (where the eels lie down), where the freshwater meets the saltwater.
2. Ngalawan – We Live, We Remain by multidisciplinary artist Leanne Tobin who is of Irish and English and Aboriginal heritage descending from the Buruberong and Wumeli clans of the Dharug. This durational work will be presented in the Front Room at A.C.E.
3. Running of the Eels by Leanne Tobin, a new video work that remembers a time of great ceremony and strange migratory patterns. The eels lay down, awaiting a king tide and full moon.
4. An artwork by Manila-based multidisciplinary artist Leeroy New, famously known for creating Lady Gaga’s “muscle dress” will present a site-specific work, using recycled organic and industrial materials wrapping around the façade of the A.C.E building. The form is based on the organic root formations of the iconic Balete tree of Southeast Asia. It is set to be one of the most ambitious temporary public works ever presented in Western Sydney!
Panel discussion led by Dharug Knowledge Holders and Myall Creek Memorial Committee (30 April, 12-4PM)
A panel discussion led by Dharug Knowledge Holders and Myall Creek Memorial Committee. The National Committee of the Friends of Myall Creek are participants of the 23rd Biennale of Sydney.
The group raises awareness of the Myall Creek Massacre, to understand the truth of our shared history, and have worked over 20 years to establish the Myall Creek Memorial site, organize a one-of-a-kind annual commemoration weekend, and an ongoing program of learning, sharing, and truth-telling.
In this panel discussion members of the National Committee will exchange stories of frontier conflict and healing with Dharug custodians of the Parramatta area and Western Sydney.
Includes light lunch. First Nations people no charge; tickets $20 available at: ice.org.au/project/23rd-
A.C.E.’s Barbershop (25 May – 11 June)
3-week pop-up of A.C.E.’s Barbershop featuring Barber Charles Lomu, braider Lucy Lomu, and program students and alumni. Open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6-9 pm, and Saturdays 10-4 pm, for a fade or braid and enjoy local artists including Dandana band, and Sweatshop Literacy Movement.
FREE! Attendees can drop in, and sit back, no booking required.
Fast Facts
What:
1. A.C.E. x 23rd Biennale of Sydney Party (4 March, 7-10pm)
2. 23rd Biennale of Sydney: rÄ«vus (4 March – 13 June 2022, Monday – Friday: 10 – 4PM)
3. Panel Discussion led by Dharug Knowledge Holders and Myall Creek Memorial Committee (30 April, 12-4PM);
4. and A.C.E.’s Barbershop (25 May – 11 June, Wednesday and Thursday evenings: 6-9PM, Saturdays: 10AM-4PM)
Tickets: ice.org.au/project/23rd-
Website: https://ice.org.au/
Socials: facebook.com/ICEorgau
instagram.com/ice_org_au/?hl=
twitter.com/ice_org_au
